The sun rose slowly through the thick canopy, sending golden light between the leaves. Mist clung to the ground, soft and cool.
Birds called out from high branches, their songs echoing through the trees. Far off, a monkey chattered. The jungle was waking up.
"It's hard to believe that there can be such a beautiful scene here too," said Michael.
Peter looked at him and replied, "Well, you're finally able to notice it, I guess. Now my work is all done here, I'm going back. I've got a pile of missions waiting—sigh."
Michael looked at him with sympathy and asked, "So what about me? Can I go back now?"
Peter gave him a strange look. "What more do you want to do here? By the way, aren't you taking Elly back with you?"
Michael's expression turned serious. "No, I can't take him with me yet. It's too dangerous there right now, and I've got some things to take care of… which could backfire badly."
Peter nodded and added, "Well, his time here won't be much better. It'll be hell."
Michael silently prayed for Elly in his mind. Then he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
The person on the other end picked up and said, "Who do you think I am, your personal driver?"
Michael, surprised, asked, "How did you know I was going to call you to pick me up??"
Gun, on the other end of the line, glared at the phone, veins bulging on his forehead. "Charles choi" already told me you'd be coming soon, so when you called, I already knew."
Michael replied, "Good. Then come right now—I'll send you the location." He hung up before Gun could respond.
Peter saw the dumbfounded look on Michael's face and asked, "Is he gonna come or not?"
Michael spoke with confidence. "Don't worry, he will. He has to—because I have something he'll do anything to keep hidden." He laughed, "Hahaha."
Peter looked at Michael with cautious eyes and thought, Maybe he's got something on me too… and will use me like that. I need to save myself before it's too late.
Without another word, Peter turned his back on Michael and disappeared into the jungle.
Michael watched Peter vanish and smiled. Don't worry, Brother Peter. You're not spared either, he thought, laughing to himself.
Then Michael started walking toward the road where he was supposed to meet Gun.
After a few minutes, he finally saw a car speeding toward him. The driver was unfamiliar, and the vehicle didn't slow down as it approached—it was still coming at full speed.
Michael didn't hold back. He raised his fist and slammed it into the front of the car. The impact struck the engine, and the car came to a sudden halt, smoke pouring from the hood. It was now in no condition to move.
A person stepped out, anger written all over his face. He had blonde hair with brown roots, styled in a middle part, and prominent eyelashes. His fashion sense screamed money—light blue jeans held up with a luxury-brand belt, a white dress shirt with a popped collar, and several flashy necklaces: a chain, a beaded one, and a pendant.
He looked at the car and muttered, "Initial N… Initial N… You're gonna pay for it!!"
Michael glanced at him and said, "Sorry. I just couldn't stand looking at that piece of junk."
The man glared. "Do you know who I am??"
Michael answered flatly, "Half-assed king. A.K.A. the King of Incheon. Sorry, but I don't have time to waste on you, so I'll be taking my leave."
He walked past him without another glance.
Jaegyeon Na stood there, stunned. Even after knowing his identity, how could someone treat him like that? He turned to call after Michael—but then stopped.
Michael was already sitting in a car—with Gun, a.k.a. Shiro Oni, the White Ghost.
Jaegyeon Na turned away silently and stepped behind his own wrecked car.
Gun, meanwhile, glared at Michael in the passenger seat. But he said nothing and started driving. As they passed a nearby vehicle, Gun felt a flicker of recognition. The car looked familiar.
Still, he said nothing and drove on.
---
The news of Michael's return had reached Eugene—and he wasn't holding back anymore. He was already in a foul mood after failing to take over Hostel and Big Deal, all thanks to Michael's interference.
Until now, he had kept his anger under control, waiting for the right moment—and the right method—to strike. That time was closing in fast.
But first, he had to secure his position. **Charles Choi** needed to be dealt with. And **Daniel Park**? He was no longer a concern. Eugene had already taken care of him—removed from the board completely, tucked away under his control and no longer a threat.
Eugene continued planning his next move. The other crews didn't pose a real danger to him, but he kept a close eye on their activities. For now, the most influential among them had already been captured—and Eugene intended to keep it that way.
…
A black car pulled up in front of an unfinished high-rise. Michael and Gun stepped out without a word and entered the building.
After climbing floor after floor of exposed stairwells, they reached the top. The cold wind blew through the skeletal structure. Standing near the edge were two men—**Charles Choi**, clad in his usual sharp suit, his expression unreadable and eyes cold, and **Goo Kim**, casually swirling a stick in one hand, posture relaxed but gaze sharp.
Charles didn't smile. He simply looked at Michael and said, in a firm tone,
"You're back. I didn't call you here for greetings. You know why you're here—and I expect you to act like it."
Michael gave a slight nod. "I understand. I know what I need to do—and I know exactly what's happening."
Charles stepped forward. His presence was sharp, his eyes focused. He extended a hand—not in warmth, but in demand.
Michael shook it without hesitation.
Goo let the silence stretch, then muttered, "Tch. So stiff, the both of you."
Neither of them reacted.
**To be continued...**
---