Born to Rise : Becoming Vice President

Chapter 26: A Father's Legacy & the Shadows That Loom

Secret Study Room – Yi Family Residence

The night grew deeper. Gevran stared at a photo from the classified file. His father—Yi Jido Sr.—stood beside a young Kai. Behind them, the old logo of the Daesan Foundation was faintly visible.

> "Is this… proof that Father helped create Project Replacement?"

Yi-Ana entered the room softly. Her eyes held a weariness that came not from the body—but from an unresolved past.

"Your father… once believed that the world couldn't be changed with words alone. He wanted to create a leader… someone immune to the system's rot. Kai was… part of that project."

Gevran looked at her. "Then why me?"

Yi-Ana stepped closer. "Because your father realized… there's one thing he could never replicate: the human heart. So he placed his final bet… on you."

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The Next Day – Daehan International School

Kai's popularity surged. In just days, he'd joined the list of top students and was already helping organize the science fair. Yet, there was something strange—unnerving—about every one of his interactions.

When he passed Gevran in the hallway, Kai offered a slight smile.

> "You weren't supposed to exist. I was written to replace you. But now… I'm curious."

Gevran stared back. "Humans aren't written. And you'll learn that the will to replace… can't beat the meaning of becoming."

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Student Council Room – Night

Team 8-1-9 huddled around a tense discussion. Kasang projected a simulation of possible internal attacks, based on Kai's movements and suspicious activity from old student council alumni.

Kaeyan clicked a tab. "There's mystery funding coming from Daesan Foundation's Swiss branch. Disguised as scholarships, but it's actually being funneled into… experimental student programs in East Asia."

Han Jimin narrowed her eyes. "Daesan Foundation is splitting from within. Half of them want Gevran to fall. The other half… is protecting him. This isn't just high school politics anymore. This is educational geopolitics."

Gevran leaned back in his chair. "Then this isn't about winning the presidency. This is about… fighting the rotten legacy left behind by those who once wanted to save the world."

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End of Chapter 26

Kai stood on the rooftop of the school building, staring into the cloudy Seoul sky.

He pressed a small button hidden beneath his collar. A digital screen flickered to life, revealing the silhouette of someone whose voice was distorted.

> "Phase one complete. Gevran has started to uncover the truth."

Kai replied emotionlessly, "But he's also igniting something we couldn't replicate. He's… more human than you thought."

> "Then make him choose. The world… or his family."

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