The streets of Yeongdeungpo-gu were unusually quiet that night. Even the usual hum of motorcycles and distant chatter seemed to hold its breath.
Inside the Phoenix shop, Yujhae leaned against the counter, observing the flickering neon outside. Taejun was scanning the perimeter with cameras, while Dojin tightened the straps on his gloves. The small security team, now six strong, stood ready near the entrances.
"We've done everything," Taejun muttered, "but this one… this guy isn't like the others."
Yujhae nodded, his eyes calm but focused. "Jack Himmo. I've heard his name in the underground circles. Higher level, faster, stronger. A real player. He's coming for control."
Dojin cracked his knuckles. "Doesn't matter. We've got him outnumbered. Let him come. We'll make him regret stepping here."
---
A sudden tremor of the street announced his arrival. The door rattled, metal groaning under the sheer weight of his presence. Jack Himmo walked in — tall, muscular, and exuding authority. His aura alone made the shop feel smaller, the lights dimmer, the air heavier.
"You're the one making waves here," Jack said smoothly, voice deep and precise. "I wondered how long it would take before someone claimed this street."
Yujhae stepped forward, fists relaxed, eyes steady. "I guess tonight we find out."
Jack smirked, cracking his neck. He didn't attack immediately — he let the tension build, testing the waters. But Yujhae didn't flinch.
---
SYSTEM ALERT:
> Main Quest — "Jack Himmo Encounter"
Objectives:
1. Defend Phoenix and new street with security
2. Survive initial assault
3. Reveal new skill to defeat high-level player
Reward: Skill Unlock — Combination
---
Jack made the first move. A lightning-fast kick slashed through the air, aiming directly at Yujhae's chest. But the security team had trained for this. Dojin intercepted, absorbing the hit with a reinforced baton, staggering backward but holding. Taejun moved to flank another thug Jack had sent along, disarming him with a swift sweep.
Yujhae stayed calm. Every strike Jack threw was powerful, precise, and overwhelming. One-on-one, he would have been at a disadvantage. But tonight, he had backup.
A thug lunged from the side, knife raised. Yujhae sidestepped, letting Dojin grab the man mid-charge and slam him to the ground. Another charged; Taejun neutralized him before he even reached striking distance. The room became a controlled chaos — Yujhae at the center, analyzing every move, every pattern.
---
Jack and Yujhae finally faced each other alone. The surrounding chaos faded from Yujhae's perception. His muscles coiled, his fists a promise.
Jack attacked again — a combination of punches and spinning kicks, each strike faster than the last. Yujhae blocked, countered, but some hits still grazed him, leaving bruises. Pain flared. His HP felt dangerously low, but his training, his experience, and his instincts sharpened.
"Now," Yujhae muttered.
SYSTEM ALERT — Skill Activated: Combination
For the first time, Yujhae linked his skills together seamlessly. A rapid Boxing Jab snapped into Jack's jaw, followed immediately by a Head-Shot, a devastating straight punch to the temple. Jack staggered backward, momentarily dazed. Before he could react, Yujhae spun, using Wheel-Kick to knock the feet from under him. Each move flowed perfectly into the next, a chain of attacks designed to overwhelm a higher-level opponent.
Jack's eyes widened, surprised by the speed and precision. He swung a counter-punch, but Yujhae, anticipating it, sidestepped and executed another Head-Shot. The combination didn't just hurt — it disrupted Jack's rhythm, drained his focus, and forced him to retreat.
---
SYSTEM UPDATE:
> Skill Unlocked — Combination (Seamlessly link multiple combat skills: Boxing Jab, Head-Shot, Wheel-Kick)
Effect: Increases damage, speed, and disruption when chaining attacks
Yujhae paused for a breath. Sweat ran down his face, muscles trembling but alive with energy. He scanned the room — all security members accounted for. The street outside, visible through the reinforced windows, was quiet, safe for the first time in weeks.
Jack rose, bruised but not broken. "Impressive," he admitted, nodding once. "You've got potential… maybe more than I expected."
Yujhae wiped blood from his lip, grinning faintly. "Potential? Nah… I've got results."
Jack smirked and, without another word, retreated through the doorway, leaving his thugs behind. The street was silent once again. Victory was theirs.
---
SYSTEM UPDATE:
> Quest Complete — "Jack Himmo Encounter" — Success
Rewards:
Stat Upgrade: +6 Strength, +6 Endurance
Skill Unlocked: Combination
---
By nightfall, the Phoenix shop glowed like a beacon. Word had already spread — the street was under Yujhae's control, Jack Himmo had tested him, and even higher-level players knew that a new force had arrived.
Yujhae stood atop the counter, looking over the street, his fists flexed, eyes burning with determination. The battle wasn't just won with brute strength; it was strategy, training, and now — skill mastery.
Taejun approached, a rare smile on his face. "Boss… you really did it. He's gone, and the street is ours."
Dojin clapped him on the shoulder. "Next stop? The whole district, huh?"
Yujhae's smirk widened. "Yeah… one street at a time. But with Combination… no one can touch us."
The neon reflected off wet asphalt, flickering over the Phoenix logo above the shop. For the first time, the city felt like it was watching him, waiting.
And Yujhae was ready.
---