The next day began with the familiar, rhythmic burn of the morning grind. By now, the 4:00 AM wake-up call was etched into my soul. We went through the same routine—heavy squats, explosive sprints, and learning Aikido—moving with a focus sharper than ever. My physical stats had reached a respectable A+rank, but as I ride through the dawn-lit streets of Gangbuk, I knew the truth.
Against the real titans of this universe, I was still a beginner.
School was the usual exercise in patience. I leaned back in my chair most of the day, eyes half-closed while teachers droned on about subjects . My thoughts weren't in the classroom. They were fixed on the location Seohee had secured for our future Empire , I need to think what buisness I should do there .
By the time the final bell rang, the air felt heavy with anticipation.
Seohee had worked fast.
Using my grandfather's political weight and his deep connections in redevelopment, the abandoned factory's permits were cleared in record time. When we arrived, workers were already on-site—not just cleaning, but rebuilding. Rusted beams were being reinforced with modern steel. Security systems were going up. Cameras. Access points.
The place wasn't just being renovated.
It was becoming a fortress.
"You two go ahead to the site," I told Seohee and Seojun at the school gates. "I'll pick up Dowoon. Everyone needs to be there for the first official meeting."
I took the bike.
The engine's roar vibrated through my chest as I cut through traffic, heading toward Dowoon's school. He was waiting when I arrived, his expression unreadable as usual. Still smiling face.
We didn't talk much on the ride.By the time we reached the industrial district, the sun was dipping low, casting long orange shadows across the massive complex.
We stepped into the main hall of our future headquarters.
The space was enormous. Scaffolding climbed the walls. The smell of fresh paint mixed with welding sparks and hot metal. Waiting inside were the others.
Ryu Sigyeong leaned against a crate, looking bored as ever.
Beside him stood the six recruits he had gathered: Jaeongdu Ma. Jintae Heo. Jinyeong Wu. Sihu Won. Wuchen Jeon. Seonghui Lee.
Including me, Seohee, Seojun and dowoon, there were eleven of us.
I walked to the center of the hall. My footsteps echoed across the concrete. Conversations died instantly. Their eyes followed me—curious, wary, respectful, skeptical.
"Listen up," I said, my voice steady but heavy enough to command attention.
"This place will become the heart of Constellation. But don't get it twisted. Just because we've secured a few clubs and a building doesn't mean we've won."
I let my gaze pass over each of them.
"This world is far more dangerous than you think. There are people who can punch through reinforced metal like it's paper. Monsters who can wipe out an entire city's worth of gangs alone and walk away untouched."
Silence.
"If we want to survive—if we want to thrive—you need to train like your lives depend on it. Because one day, they will."
I explained the immediate plan: maintain the cash flow from the nightlife monopoly and begin a strict training schedule. This wasn't a hobby. This was preparation for war.
They nodded.
We were a crew now.
Unknown POV
Dowoon Lee - a kid from my class who joined my father dojo few days ago .
My father told me to get along with Dowoon and teach him, but i couldn't understand him and don't like his behavior. Dowoon, in contrast to me , always acted according to other people's wishes and did whatever his father told him to. This constantly frustrated me , to the point of even wanting to help him gain some independence.. today I even dyed my hair light brown, close to his, so he wouldn't feel like an outsider among all ..
Yesterday, the brat didn't show up at all.
Today, I was going to find him and give him a piece of my mind—maybe a few kicks too.
I spotted him near his school exit, but before I could reach him, a guy on a superbike pulled up. They talked briefly. Then Dowoon climbed on the back, and they took off.
"So because of this bastard, Dowoon skipped the dojo , Is he bullying him or what?" I muttered, heat rising in my chest. "Who the hell is he?"
I jumped on my bicycle and started pedaling.
I'm fast—but that bike was a monster.
"Damn rich kids," I hissed as my legs burned. "Why didn't my old man ever buy me something like that ?"
I followed them all the way to an industrial district. By the time I arrived, my chest was heaving. I slowed near a parked superbike and stared at the massive factory building.
Renovations.
To me, it looked like a kidnapping den.
Dowoon was in danger.
I didn't think I ran this fast in my life to save someone.
I burst through the doors, sneakers squeaking on concrete.
"DOWOON!" I roared.
POV ends
Every head turned.
A boy stood at the entrance, breathing hard. Loose tracksuit. Light brown hair in a mess. His eyes burned with raw aggression.
I recognized him instantly.
I whispered, "Sneak Peak."
Name: Taehoon Seong
Strength: A
Speed: A
Potential: SS-
Intelligence: A
Endurance: A+
At his age, A-rank strength made him a monster.
Dowoon stood up, surprise flickering across his face. He opened his mouth to explain, but Taehoon moved first—blurring across the floor and positioning himself in front of Dowoon, shielding him.
His glare locked onto me.
I smirked. "So who are you supposed to be, kid?"
I knew he was not much younger than me . I wanted to see how he reacted.
"Who are you calling a kid, you bastard?" Taehoon snapped. "Why did you kidnapped Dowoon? Who the hell are you people?"
"Kidnapped?" I chuckled, leaning against a crate. "Can't you see he's here by choice? You could just ask hi—"
The kick came before the sentence finished.
A perfect Taekwondo strike aimed straight at my head.
I leaned back, the wind brushing my hair as it missed by inches.
My crew moved instantly.
Ryu, Jaeongdu, and the others stepped forward, forming a wall.
"Oi," Ryu said, voice dropping. "You think you can attack our boss while we're here?"
I raised a hand, stopping them. I was actually touched; we hadn't been together long, but they were already willing to fight for me. "Hey, back off. It's touching to see you guys standing up for me, but let me handle this one."
They stepped back, forming a wide circle.
I faced Taehoon, who hadn't lowered his guard once.
Taehoon scoffed but followed me to the
center.
"Fine if you want to fight But why would I waste my time fighting you? What do I get to fight you ?" I asked
He laughed, a sharp, arrogant sound. "Do you really think you have a chance? Fine. What's the bet?"
"Simple," I said, my eyes locking onto his. "If you win, you can ask for anything. Money, power, whatever you want. I'll give it to you."
"And if you lose?"
"If you lose," I said, a slow smile spreading across my face, "you join my crew."
Taehoon's expression hardened. "If I win, you free Dowoon and you never get near him again. As for me losing? That's impossible."