The First Step

Taehyung walked down the grand hallway of the Jeon estate, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

He had one year before the world collapsed.

One year before hell was unleashed.

In his past life, he had struggled, bled, and fought tooth and nail to survive. But no matter how hard he tried, the apocalypse had broken him—until his final moments, when he was torn apart by that monster.

But this time…

This time, he had knowledge. Power. Time.

And he wouldn’t waste it.

As he reached the grand dining hall, the smell of freshly made food filled the air. It was a luxury that would be nothing but a memory once the apocalypse hit.

Jungkook, Jungguk, and Jae-hyun were already seated at the long table, the three of them looking like they owned the world.

Which, technically, they did.

Powerful. Influential. Dangerous.

They were the rulers of the underworld, business empires, and military forces—and they didn’t even need the apocalypse to be terrifying.

Jungguk smirked as he gestured to the seat next to him. “Come here, little lamb.”

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. “I’m not a lamb.”

“You will be when the wolves come for you.”

Taehyung clenched his fists, but forced a casual scoff. Jungguk had no idea how true his words were.

Sitting down, he picked up his utensils, acting as normal as possible. But in reality?

He was formulating a plan.

Step One: Strengthen Himself

In his past life, he had gained his plant-based ability far too late. If he wanted to master it before the apocalypse, he needed to start training now.

But where? Who could teach him?

His eyes flickered toward Jae-hyun.

Jae-hyun was the most disciplined and strategic out of the brothers. He had mastered countless techniques and combat styles.

If Taehyung could convince him to teach self-defense, it would be the perfect excuse to train.

Step Two: Secure Resources

Food, water, medicine, weapons—he needed them all.

The Jeon brothers had access to everything. Their black-market connections, business networks, and military ties could supply an entire army.

And if Taehyung played his cards right, he could use them to his advantage.

Step Three: Gain Their Trust… Without Falling Into Their Trap

He had always been too naïve in his past life. He hadn’t realized how deeply the Jeon brothers had been obsessed with him until it was too late.

This time, he had to be careful. Close enough to gain their protection, but distant enough to keep his freedom.

Because once they truly set their sights on something…

They never let it go.

“Why are you staring at me?” Jae-hyun’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Taehyung blinked, realizing he had been looking at him for too long.

Think fast.

“I want you to teach me how to fight,” he said smoothly.

The table fell silent.

Jungkook and Jungguk turned to him with interest, while Jae-hyun raised a single brow. “You? Fight?”

Taehyung crossed his arms. “Yes. Why? You think I can’t?”

Jae-hyun studied him for a moment before replying, “It’s not that you can’t. It’s that you’ve never shown interest before.”

Taehyung’s heart pounded. Careful. Don’t be suspicious.

He shrugged. “I just want to be stronger. If I ever get into trouble, I don’t want to rely on you guys all the time.”

Jungkook leaned back, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “You don’t have to worry about that. We’ll protect you.”

Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.

Taehyung smiled but held his ground. “Even so, I still want to learn.”

Jae-hyun exhaled slowly, as if thinking it over. “Fine. But I won’t go easy on you.”

Taehyung smirked. Perfect.

Step One: In Progress.

Jungguk suddenly grinned. “Well, if we’re teaching Tae how to fight, does that mean I get to spar with him?”

Jungkook chuckled darkly. “I’d pay to see that.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. Great. Now he had to deal with two menaces instead of one.

But it didn’t matter.

Because this time…

He was going to win.

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