The Calm Before the Storm
After the chaos of the failed coup, Everlight Entertainment was a kingdom still standing but trembling on unstable foundations. K's grip was tighter than ever, yet the scars of betrayal left deep fissures.
In the grand office overlooking Seoul's sprawling skyline, K stood alone, the city lights reflecting in his steely gaze. Every victory had a cost, and the legacy he was building demanded sacrifice beyond measure.
Jiho's Ascension
Jiho, once the innocent boy with dreams of music and warmth, had become the embodiment of the Innocent Villain — a paradox crafted by K's vision and sharpened by the crucible of industry warfare.
His debut was imminent, a meticulously planned spectacle designed not just to launch a career, but to cement an empire.
Behind the Curtain
Yet behind the glitz and glamor, tension simmered.
Jiho struggled with the duality of his existence: the public's adoration of the Innocent Villain versus the private torment of a soul pushed to its limits.
The lines between mentor and manipulator blurred, as K's expectations weighed heavier on Jiho's fragile heart.
The Final Betrayal
Just as the debut approached, a devastating revelation struck.
A close ally within Everlight leaked sensitive information that threatened to unravel everything — exposing hidden alliances, past betrayals, and the true cost of Jiho's rise.
K's Ruthless Response
True to form, K's response was cold and calculated.
He orchestrated a counteroffensive that not only neutralized the threat but also sent a clear message: betrayal would be met with annihilation.
Jiho's Moment
Despite the storm, Jiho stepped onto the stage for his debut, the Innocent Villain persona dazzling millions.
His performance was flawless — a blend of vulnerability and defiance that captivated the world and announced the arrival of a new legend.
The Birth of a Legend
The industry watched in awe as the Innocent Villain rose — a symbol of power, pain, and paradox.
But behind the lights and cheers lay a legacy built on shadows: lies, sacrifices, and the unyielding pursuit of survival.
A New Dawn
As the curtain fell on the prequel saga, K and Jiho stood together — ruler and protégé, architect and weapon — ready to face the future.
Their story was only beginning, but the legacy they forged in shadows would echo for years to come.