The streets of Suwon shimmered under the evening lights, a bustling metropolis filled with promise and danger. From the rooftop of a nondescript building near the central district, Yujhae observed the traffic of cars, scooters, and pedestrians below. Every neon reflection on wet asphalt seemed to whisper the same thing: this city belonged to the strongest, and he intended to be counted among them.
He knew the truth: the King of Suwon wasn't a man to underestimate. The stories Yujhae had heard — firsthand and secondhand — painted a picture of a ruler who was not just powerful, but ruthless. One wrong move, and Phoenix could be crushed before it even set foot in Suwon.
Dojin and Taejun, his closest lieutenants, were with him, checking equipment and quietly observing the city. Kang Jisu and the rest of the security team stayed behind to maintain Phoenix's territory and safeguard the existing empire.
"We can't take him head-on," Yujhae said, voice low but decisive. "We have strength, yes, but the King of Suwon has decades of experience. If we strike prematurely, we lose everything."
Dojin crossed his massive arms, frowning. "So what's the plan? Just show up and smile?"
Yujhae allowed a faint smirk. "Not exactly. We form a temporary alliance. I'll offer him a share of all revenue from our Suwon restaurants and clubs—enough to make him feel secure. Forty percent should be convincing."
Taejun, as always calm, studied the map spread across the rooftop. "And the catch?"
"The catch," Yujhae said, eyes narrowing, "is that this alliance is temporary. We're gaining access, learning their operations, and planting seeds. When the moment is right… we strike. We take over, and the King will have no idea it came from inside."
Dojin blinked, then let out a low chuckle. "Classic Yujhae. Build them up, then crush them. Bold, but risky."
"Risk is necessary," Yujhae replied. "We don't have the sheer level to defeat him head-on yet. Patience, preparation, and precise timing — that's our edge."
---
The meeting with the King was scheduled at a luxurious rooftop restaurant in Suwon's financial district. The guards were minimal — enough to show authority but not enough to intimidate Phoenix's security team.
When the King arrived, flanked by two lieutenants, Yujhae studied him carefully. The man exuded presence: calm, confident, and deadly, with the kind of aura that made a battlefield feel smaller.
"You've grown fast," the King said, voice low, measured. "And now you enter my city. Bold, but foolish if you think you control it."
Yujhae leaned back slightly, keeping a casual demeanor. "Bold, yes. But careful. I propose a temporary mutual benefit. Forty percent of revenue from our Suwon establishments goes to you. In return, Phoenix operates freely — no interference, no sabotage."
The King's eyes narrowed, studying Yujhae's face. "And why shouldn't I assume you'll betray me the moment you gain advantage?"
"Because the betrayal isn't now," Yujhae said smoothly. "We gain your trust first. We prove our worth. Then, when the timing is perfect, control shifts. Neither side should underestimate the other."
The King's gaze lingered on Yujhae. Finally, he nodded. "I'll allow it. But remember, any deception will cost you more than your revenue. Lives, loyalty, territory… all at risk."
Yujhae inclined his head slightly. "Understood. That's why this is temporary — and why we prepare."
---
Later that night, Yujhae gathered his team back at Phoenix. Using holographic maps, he outlined the Suwon territories, identifying all clubs, restaurants, and strategic points.
"We follow the agreement, grow influence, and gather intel," he explained. "Every restaurant, every club, every move counts. Once we reach peak influence, we strike. Quick, precise, and clean. No hesitation."
Dojin cracked his knuckles. "So we're basically soldiers now?"
Yujhae's grin was faint, cold. "Soldiers with strategy. Every fight we avoid now is a fight we win later."
Taejun nodded, already calculating contingencies. "We need to upgrade surveillance, security rotations, and team readiness. If the King suspects anything prematurely, he could retaliate instantly."
"Exactly," Yujhae said. "Preparation is power. Strength, speed, influence — all of it must peak before the first strike. The King thinks he controls the board, but soon he'll realize Phoenix doesn't play by anyone else's rules."
The team trained late into the night, practicing coordination, refining combat techniques, and running simulations for possible betrayal scenarios. Outside, the city pulsed with life, unaware that a silent chess match had begun, where Phoenix held all the hidden pieces.