Reincarnated Monkey King

The scruffy-haired boy followed Wukong through the market, his eyes still wide with amazement.

"That was incredible!" he blurted. "I've never seen anyone move like that! Are you a warrior? A rogue? A hidden noble?"

Wukong smirked. "Something like that."

The boy frowned. "You're kinda weird, you know that?"

"Thanks," Wukong said, popping a stolen grape into his mouth. "Name?"

The boy hesitated. "Tian."

"Tian, huh? You always this good at getting caught?"

Tian scowled. "That was bad luck! Usually, I can outrun the guards easy."

Wukong raised an eyebrow. "That so?"

"Yeah! But you—" Tian pointed at him. "You didn't just move fast. You cut that apple with your bare hands! That's crazy!"

Wukong just grinned.

Tian narrowed his eyes. "…You're not from around here, are you?"

"Nope."

"Where you from?"

Wukong stretched. "Somewhere far, far away."

Tian clicked his tongue. "Mysterious, huh? Whatever. Anyway, since you saved me, you're stuck with me now."

Wukong blinked. "Huh?"

"You don't have money, right?" Tian crossed his arms. "No food, no home, no connections? That makes you a lost stray."

Wukong snorted. "I'm a king, brat. I don't need charity."

Tian grinned. "Kings need homes, too."

Wukong paused. …Damn it. He's got a point.

"Fine," he sighed. "Lead the way."

---

The Slums of Valoria

Tian led Wukong through winding backstreets, past dilapidated houses and crooked alleyways. The further they walked, the more the air changed—the laughter of the market gave way to hushed whispers, side-eyes, and the occasional hungry stare.

Wukong noticed ragged children watching them from doorways, their eyes hollow. Broken carts, discarded belongings, and cracked walls lined the streets.

"Welcome to the Slums of Valoria," Tian said with mock grandeur. "It ain't much, but it's home."

Wukong frowned. A world with this much magic, and people still starve? Typical.

Tian stopped at a rickety wooden shack, shoving the door open. Inside, a few other kids huddled together around a dim lantern. A frail girl with tangled black hair looked up, eyes narrowing.

"Tian," she said warily. "Who's this?"

"New guy," Tian said casually. "Saved my ass in the market."

The girl crossed her arms. "That means you owe him, not us."

Wukong smirked. She's sharp.

"Relax, Lily," Tian groaned. "I know the rules."

Lily eyed Wukong. "Name?"

"Sun Wukong."

She raised an eyebrow. "Weird name."

"Good. Means you won't forget it."

Tian plopped onto the floor. "Look, Lily, we could use another pair of hands. He's fast. And strong."

Lily studied Wukong for a moment. Then, without warning, she threw a knife at his face.

Wukong caught it between two fingers.

The room went silent.

Lily's eyes widened. "…Okay. You can stay."

---

Nightfall & A New Goal

That night, as the others slept, Wukong sat on the roof, staring at the twin moons above.

Magic. A new world. A weak body.

And Buddha's stupid, smug grin lingering in his mind.

"This is your lesson, huh?" he muttered.

Wukong cracked his knuckles. Fine. If I'm stuck here, I'll do what I do best.

I'll rise.

---

To Be Continued…