Cherreads

Chapter 33 - Empire rise (6)

The neon glow of Suwon shimmered through the office windows as Yujhae leaned back, counting the massive transfer of funds into his accounts. The numbers made his head spin—not from size, but from the realization that he now had enough money to control every major district in Suwon, fully fund Phoenix's operations, and expand without limitation.

Dojin, Taejun, and Kang were scattered across the room, performing light drills and watching their leader with the mix of awe and loyalty that only years of shared battles could build.

"This… this is unreal," Dojin muttered, glancing at the screen with Yujhae's financial projections. "We could run the entire city if we wanted to."

Yujhae smiled faintly, pride hidden behind his usual calm demeanor. "Exactly. But it's not about domination alone—it's about infrastructure, influence, and preparation. Money is just the tool."

At that moment, his phone pinged with the familiar System notification. The words blinked on the holographic display like a pulse:

SYSTEM ALERT:

> Reward Granted — S-Level Box

Contents: Random Items & Abilities

A chest materialized in front of him, glowing faintly with a silvery aura. He approached carefully, scanning for traps or surprises—he had learned long ago that nothing in this world came without risk.

Opening the chest, Yujhae's eyes widened as a cascade of icons and numbers floated upward. There were tools, small cash bonuses, and… a new ability:

Change (A+) — Allows transfer of abilities between individuals. Four points available for immediate use.

Yujhae's mind raced. This was more than a reward—it was an opportunity to refine the team beyond anything possible before. He could redistribute skills, optimize combat synergy, and even cover weaknesses that had once held them back.

"Dojin," Yujhae said, pointing toward his massive lieutenant. "Your endurance and raw power are unmatched, but you've been missing some finesse techniques. I'm transferring Tornado Kick to you. Use it with control—it can complement your Heavy Throws."

Dojin's eyes sparkled with anticipation. The first practice swing sent a small gust through the room as he felt the energy and mechanics of the move integrate into his muscle memory. "This… this is insane. I can feel it flowing."

"Next," Yujhae continued, turning toward Taejun. "Kang's Jiu-Jitsu—grapples, joint locks, counters—it's yours now. Your speed and coordination can make it deadly."

Taejun's expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed excitement. He quickly tried a sequence, weaving in his Lightning Counters with the new grappling techniques. "With this… our efficiency will skyrocket."

Kang merely chuckled, crossing his arms. "You'll owe me for this, boss. But… seeing you all grow is worth it."

Finally, Yujhae turned his attention inward. His hands hummed as he concentrated. "I'll keep all essential Heat Mode abilities, but I'm going to pass Combination Lv.10 to Dojin as well. Between that and Tornado Kick, his adaptability in combat will rival mine for short bursts."

The team tested the transfers immediately, moving through drills, blocks, and simulated assaults. Even without MC stepping fully into the fight, the synergy felt seamless. The room buzzed with energy—the kind of focused, controlled chaos that only years of experience and perfect coordination could create.

After several hours, Yujhae sat back, observing his team. Every member now had amplified versatility. Every strike, kick, and counter flowed naturally. He smirked faintly.

"Money, influence, and now… skill transfer. Fang Crew is unstoppable," he muttered, thinking of Suwon, Ansan, and the cities beyond. "And with this… Change, the possibilities are limitless."

As the team celebrated their growth quietly, a new notification appeared:

SYSTEM LOG:

> MC Reward Update: Maximum Wealth Achieved

Status: Dad Impressed (+20 Reputation with family)

New Ability: Change (A+) — 4 Points Available

Yujhae leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. His father's message flashed across the screen: "You've grown beyond my expectations. Keep building. Don't waste this advantage."

A smile crossed Yujhae's face. Money, abilities, and loyalty—he had all three in abundance. But he knew the true test was yet to come: implementing these new powers into Phoenix's operations and preparing the crew for threats far beyond Suwon.

"Alright," he said aloud, standing. "We've got cash, we've got power, and now we've got flexibility. Let's upgrade every business, expand every front, and make the name 'Phoenix' untouchable. Fang Crew… let's move."

Outside, Suwon's streets glimmered under the night sky. Neon reflected off wet asphalt, glinting like the countless possibilities now at Yujhae's fingertips. With the S-Level Box, Change ability, and a fully optimized crew, Fang was no longer just a name—it was a symbol. A symbol of domination, strategy, and the unstoppable rise of a new power.

The city would remember this night.

SYSTEM UPDATE:

Quest Complete — Reward Granted: S-Level Box (Change Ability)

Fang Crew: Fully Optimized & Rebalanced

MC Stats Upgraded: All Abilities Enhanced by Transfer + New Strategic Flexibility

Yujhae smiled faintly, already planning the next moves. New businesses, new fights, new territory—and with Change, the world of underground combat and Phoenix's empire would bend exactly to their will.

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