The morning sun struggled to pierce the smog hanging over Yeongdeungpo-gu. Neon reflections from the night still shimmered faintly on puddles, and the small Phoenix shop stood like a solitary beacon on the dangerous street. The air smelled faintly of oil, rain, and asphalt — a mix that told any newcomer they were entering hostile territory.
Yujhae leaned against the shop's counter, inspecting the freshly painted walls and reinforced shutter. Taejun was busy reviewing security camera placements, while Dojin polished the new batons for the small security team. "Boss," Taejun said, pointing to the street, "looks like we've got company."
From the shadows, five rough-looking men emerged, cracked knuckles, tattoos crawling up their arms, eyes dark. Their leader, a broad-shouldered man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "New player on our street?" he spat. "We don't allow strangers to set up shop here. Pack up or you get taught respect the hard way."
Yujhae straightened, adjusting his jacket. "Respect?" he asked calmly. "Funny… I thought it came after results."
The gang laughed, low and menacing. Their knives and bats glinted in the morning light. The street grew tense, nearby shopkeepers peeking through cracked blinds. The air itself seemed to thrum, the smell of rain mixing with anticipation.
---
The first thug charged, swinging a metal pipe. Yujhae sidestepped, catching the pipe mid-swing and twisting the attacker into the wall. Another lunged with a knife — a step aside, a spin, and a crushing blow to the ribs sent him collapsing. Pain flashed through Yujhae's shoulder from a glancing strike, but his focus didn't waver.
Dojin and Taejun moved in, neutralizing the remaining three. Still, Yujhae's eyes locked on the gang leader. This wasn't about showing off. It was about claiming control.
The leader roared and charged, swinging a heavy bat with precision and fury. Yujhae sidestepped, grasping the man's wrist mid-swing. With a sudden twist and a surge of raw strength, he slammed the man to the asphalt. The impact echoed like thunder. The gang leader scrambled to rise, rage burning in his eyes. Yujhae's fist tightened. Pain, adrenaline, and heat coursed through him — Heat Mode triggered as his vision sharpened and time seemed to slow.
A single, precise punch landed to the leader's temple. His knees buckled, and he crumpled unconscious. The remaining gang members froze, stunned by the speed and force of the attack. Within moments, they retreated, dragging their defeated comrades away.
---
The street fell silent, save for the drip of rain from the eaves. The neighbors slowly stepped out, peeking at the battered but victorious new boss. Whispers spread immediately: Phoenix controls this corner now.
Yujhae stood, breathing heavily, blood still trickling from a cut lip. He flexed his fists, testing the Head-Shot skill. Every strike, every throw, every movement — it was now honed, precise, dangerous. Taejun walked over, handing him the camera tablet. "The fight's going viral," he said. "The underground networks are calling you… Red Phoenix."
Dojin clapped him on the shoulder. "One street down, dozens more to go. You really are unstoppable, boss."
Yujhae nodded. "Small street today… district tomorrow. One corner at a time."
---
SYSTEM UPDATE:
> Quest Complete — Gang Defeated, Street Secured
Reward:
Skill Unlocked — All-Vision (See enemy members in a gang, detect hidden threats)
Skill Unlocked — Head-Shot (Straight punch to the head, can KO enemies 5 levels below)
> Stats Upgraded:
+6 Strength
+6 Endurance
---
That evening, Yujhae walked the street himself. The Phoenix mark glimmered above the shop. Lights from nearby stores reflected off wet asphalt. The whispers were still there — the street acknowledging the new order.
He tested his new All-Vision skill, closing his eyes briefly. Ghostly outlines of nearby gang members, hidden alleys, and potential threats glowed faintly in red across his perception. This was more than power; it was control.
Taejun followed, impressed. "You can literally see everyone, even if they're hiding."
Yujhae smirked, eyes scanning the empty alleys. "Good. We'll need that. Every street, every corner… everything has to be ours before someone else tries to claim it."
Dojin leaned back against the shop wall. "You really are a nightmare for these guys."
Yujhae's eyes glinted under the neon. "Let them fear. Let them test. I've still got moves they haven't seen yet… like Head-Shot."
He punched the air experimentally, the motion crisp and deadly. Every alleyway, every corner, every shadow of the street would soon know the Phoenix mark.
And for the first time, the small shop felt like the heart of an empire in the making.