Three weeks had passed since the Phoenix-Suwon alliance was fully active. Suwon's streets were calm, clubs and restaurants running like clockwork, and Yujhae's security team had grown into a well-oiled machine. But for Yujhae, calm was never an excuse for stagnation. Ambition demanded forward motion.
Ansan was on the horizon. Not the flashy, chaotic district of Seoul, not the easily intimidated Suwon streets — Ansan was disciplined, structured, and tightly controlled. Its King rarely intervened directly, but his lieutenants, public members, and Hudson, the Sun of Ansan Crew, kept a watchful eye on newcomers. Any misstep could bring a flood of trouble.
Yujhae leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming lightly on the desk. The neon glow from Phoenix's sign flickered faintly through the window, reflecting off his focused eyes. He opened the System panel.
SYSTEM ALERT:
New Quest: "Expand into Ansan"
Objectives: Buy small business in Ansan, establish Phoenix presence.
Reward: Pending
The System gave no further guidance. As always, minimal instructions were enough — Yujhae thrived on improvisation.
---
The first step was subtle — a small grocery store in a quiet district, away from the main streets patrolled by Hudson's public members. It wasn't flashy, it didn't scream "new player," but it was a foothold.
He dispatched Dojin and Taejun first to inspect potential locations. They returned after two days, bringing with them details on foot traffic, nearby businesses, and any visible gang presence.
"This one's perfect," Taejun said, pointing to a narrow street with moderate pedestrian flow. "No direct Ansan Crew patrols here, but close enough to monitor. Owner wants to sell fast."
Dojin grinned. "Small, easy to manage. Low visibility. I like it."
Yujhae nodded. "Exactly. Low visibility is the key. Phoenix doesn't make noise here yet. We grow quietly."
With a few signed papers and a hefty transfer, the grocery was his. The staff stayed on — loyal to their old owner, but unaware of the Phoenix name. The signage remained the same for now. Yujhae's philosophy was clear: blend in first, dominate later.
---
Inside the store, Yujhae inspected the layout. Shelves were stocked with essentials: rice, noodles, snacks, and beverages. Nothing fancy, but functional. He glanced at the back room — space enough for minor storage, possibly security setups, and covert Phoenix operations.
"I want surveillance," he said to Dojin, already pulling out a small tablet. "Cameras covering entrances and alleyways. No one should enter or leave without us knowing."
Dojin smirked. "Got it, boss. This place will be tighter than Phoenix during a Selima raid."
Taejun added, "We should also get local intel. Vendors, delivery drivers, even street cleaners — anyone who notices patterns in activity. Hudson's crew won't see us coming if we know everything first."
Yujhae smiled faintly. "Exactly. Observe first. Adjust later. Patience wins wars before they're even fought."
---
The first week was quiet. Yujhae sent in small teams of trusted Phoenix members, blending them as casual staff and delivery aides. Dojin personally trained a few locals in basic security and situational awareness. Taejun ran short combat drills for anyone capable of defending themselves. Yujhae himself visited only once a day, keeping a low profile while analyzing every detail of foot traffic, nearby rival businesses, and any subtle signs of gang activity.
From the rooftop across the street, Yujhae could see a few familiar Ansan faces. Hudson had noticed something — the Sun of Ansan Crew prowled nearby occasionally, scanning the area, but so far, he hadn't acted. That was exactly how Yujhae wanted it. Quiet observation, slow influence, no overt confrontation.
---
By the end of the second week, small changes were visible. The grocery's stock turnover increased, minor renovations improved the space without drawing attention, and a subtle marketing campaign on social media drew locals in without reaching the notice of Hudson's eyes.
One evening, Yujhae met with his core Phoenix team in the back room.
"Results?" he asked.
Dojin reported first. "Foot traffic up 15%, no unwanted attention. Local suppliers don't suspect anything unusual."
Taejun added, "Security checks and observation rotations are smooth. Hudson has eyes on the street, but he hasn't approached. We're invisible for now."
Yujhae nodded. "Good. This is only the first step. Once this store is entrenched, we replicate with another small business — maybe a café or a mini club in another quiet district. Slowly, Phoenix presence will grow. Hudson and his crew will only notice when we control enough territory that's too late to challenge without serious risk."
---
Standing at the counter of the small grocery, Yujhae picked up a can of soda, examining it idly. He let his thoughts drift briefly to the body he had been reincarnated into, the journey from nothing to running clubs, restaurants, and now slowly encroaching into new cities. Every obstacle had taught him patience, precision, and the importance of preparation.
The System panel blinked softly in the corner.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
Objective: "Expand into Ansan" — In Progress
Reward: Pending
Yujhae smirked faintly. "Step one is done. But this is only the beginning."
Outside, the streets of Ansan moved quietly under the fading sun. People hustled, shops closed, and Hudson's crew patrolled as usual, unaware of the Phoenix empire quietly planting its roots. One day, they would notice — but by then, it would already be too late.