Joon-hyuk stood in front of the Warden's office door. The guard escorting him knocked before speaking, "Sir, I have done as you ordered. May I enter?"
A deep voice responded from inside, "Yes, come in."
The guard opened the door and stepped in, followed by Joon-hyuk. The office looked like any other warden's office—neat, yet cluttered with endless stacks of documents. Behind a large desk, a middle-aged man sat, focused on the paperwork in front of him.
The guard saluted. "Reporting, sir. I have brought Kang Joon-hyuk as instructed. What are your orders?"
"You may leave," the Warden said without looking up. "I have matters to discuss with this boy. Do not let anyone in until I say so."
"Understood, sir!" The guard saluted again before stepping out and closing the door behind him.
Now, only Joon-hyuk and the Warden remained in the room. Joon-hyuk stared at the man in front of him with a neutral expression, mildly curious about why he had been summoned.
After a brief silence, the Warden finally looked up, his sharp eyes assessing Joon-hyuk. "So, you're the boy named Kang Joon-hyuk?"
Joon-hyuk's dark persona smirked, his eyes gleaming with arrogance and hidden intentions. "Maybe. And who are you?"
The Warden set down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and clasped his fingers together on the desk. His expression remained calm, though the tension in the room thickened.
"I've heard a lot about you," he said evenly, though there was a hint of intrigue in his gaze. "You've only just arrived, yet you've already crushed several older inmates. And not just defeated them... you made sure they couldn't stand again."
Joon-hyuk let out a low chuckle, his voice sharp and dangerous. "They thought they could touch me. I merely taught them a simple lesson about who's stronger."
"Do you know what usually happens to kids who stir up trouble in this place?" The Warden raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response.
Joon-hyuk tilted his head slightly, his eyes flashing with amusement. "Usually? They get broken, made to submit, or thrown somewhere they can only regret their choices." He grinned. "But I'm not them."
A small smile formed on the Warden's lips. "You're quick to understand. That's good. There's another option... a more beneficial one."
Joon-hyuk arched an eyebrow. "Oh? I like beneficial things. Explain."
The Warden leaned forward. "I need someone to maintain balance in this place. There are too many factions constantly clashing. If left unchecked, they could disrupt the order I've built. I want someone who can ensure that doesn't happen."
Joon-hyuk chuckled, his tone mocking. "So, you want me to be your dog?"
The Warden showed no sign of offense. In fact, he looked as though he had anticipated that response. "I prefer to call it... someone with more freedom than the others."
Joon-hyuk let out a slow laugh, his eyes narrowing as he calculated his next move. "Freedom, huh? I'd rather control everything myself than submit to someone." He leaned back, as if savoring the situation. "But this offer... is interesting."
The Warden studied his expression closely. "You don't need to decide now. But remember, opportunities like this don't come twice."
Joon-hyuk remained silent for a few seconds before scoffing. "Fine. I'll think about it, but don't expect me to bow easily."
The Warden's smile widened slightly. "Good. You may leave now."
Joon-hyuk turned towards the door, but before he could exit, the Warden spoke again. "Oh, one more thing."
Joon-hyuk stopped without looking back.
"You may think you can refuse and survive on your own here," the Warden said casually. "But in a place like this, you only have two choices: be the one in control... or be the one controlled."
Joon-hyuk smirked. "Wrong. There's a third option... being the one who destroys everything and rebuilds it with his own rules."
He opened the door and walked out, leaving the Warden watching him with newfound interest. As he strolled down the corridor, his mind was already forming a strategy. Would he accept the offer? Or use this opportunity to take over everything? Either way, one thing was certain—this place would be his, sooner or later.
Before he realized it, he had reached his cell door.
Joon-hyuk stepped inside, and the room instantly fell into a suffocating silence. Where once there had been mocking glances, now there was only caution and fear. Some inmates lowered their heads, while others stole nervous glances.
This place wasn't an adult prison, but for the weak, it was hell. The walls were grimy and damp, the bunk beds lined up in tight formation, and the air reeked of sweat, dried blood, and disinfectant. Most of the inmates here were just kids who thought they were strong—until they met someone like him.
Joon-hyuk walked past a few boys who shrank away as he passed. Conversations that had been whispered came to an abrupt halt. In one corner, a small-built teen buried himself deeper into his book, pretending to be occupied. On the other side, two others who had been playing cards clutched their hands stiffly, as if afraid to move.
As he sat on his bed casually, someone finally spoke—trying to sound calm, but unable to hide the nervous edge in their voice.
"What did the Warden want from you?"
The voice belonged to a lanky teenager with a scar on his eyebrow. He was trying to appear confident, but his eyes betrayed his wariness.
Joon-hyuk turned his head slowly, fixing the boy with a blank stare that sent a chill down his spine. "What business is that of yours?" His voice was low, yet carried an unspoken threat.
The boy swallowed but forced a thin smile. "You've caught the Warden's attention... That's not a good thing in this place. You may think you're strong, but—"
Before he could finish, Joon-hyuk moved. In an instant, he was in front of the boy, gripping his chin tightly and forcing him to meet his cold, merciless gaze.
"Me? Thinking I'm strong?" Joon-hyuk smirked, but there was no humor in it. "No, I know I'm strong. And you..." his fingers pressed harder, making the boy's breath hitch. "You're just a little piece of trash who thinks he can warn me."
The tension in the room hit its peak. No one dared to move, as if afraid to provoke him further.
After what felt like an eternity, Joon-hyuk released his grip harshly, making the boy stumble back. "Don't bother me again," he said, his voice returning to its usual indifferent tone, as if nothing had happened.
The boy nodded quickly, not daring to respond. Meanwhile, the night bell rang, signaling bedtime. The inmates began preparing to sleep, but this time, there were no murmurs or rustling sounds. The entire room felt like it was under an invisible pressure.
Joon-hyuk lay back on his bed, his eyes staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. He knew better than anyone... in a place like this, there were only two choices: predator or prey. And he had already made sure where he stood.