At midnight, as promised, Jae-Hoon made his way to the old warehouse. The place felt really old, perfectly matching the secretive world of underworld dealings. Inside, he found the bartender and five tough-looking bodyguards. With a quick look, Jae-Hoon could tell these guys were strong.

"You made it," the bartender said.

"So, you got it?" Jae-Hoon asked.

"Got it right here," the bartender showed the document and tossed it to Jae-Hoon

"Then our business here is done" Jae-Hoon tossed the money to the bartender

"Oh yeah about that-"

However, suddenly, a chill swept through the air. The bartender erupted into sinister laughter.

“Hahahah. Are you really that straightforward? Did you ever question why I brought you here?

The bartender’s eyes shifted, and the entrance echoed with the sounds of boots – 30 of his men entering the warehouse. Few of them resonate sinister aura. Betrayal hung in the air, and Jae-Hoon stood surrounded, his trusted meeting turning into a trap. Unknown to Jae-Hoon, betrayal hung in the air, and Jae-Hoon stood surrounded, his trusted meeting turning into a trap.

Maintaining composure, Jae-Hoon inquired, “Why are you doing this?”

“It’s purely for personal gain. In this world, money and power reign supreme. After dispatching you, I’ll present your lifeless bodies and the document to the Hwang Clan. I’ll spin a tale of you secretly gathering intel on them and other families, and how I heroically intervened. They’ll see me as their savior, and I’ll secure their favor. Hahaha,” the bartender declared with a malevolent tone.

“So, you’re attempting to frame me? Weren’t you the one gathering information?” asked Jae-Hoon with unwavering calm.

“They won’t know, just as they remain oblivious to my dealings, selling information about their activities to rival factions. And besides, you won’t survive to reveal the truth. It’s a flawless plan. Heheh.”

“Do you truly believe your bunch of clown here can inflict harm on me?” Jae-Hoon’s countenance turned even icier.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“I acknowledged your formidable strength. But, there's no way you can fight this many people on your own. Embrace your destiny!”

As the bartender about to command his men to attack

"So it was you huh"

*Silence*

*Thup, thup* (footstep)

“Who's there?” The bartender and his men directed their attention to the warehouse door, attempting to discern the identity of the approaching figure.

“Chang Min-Ho, you rat. I should have dealt with you long ago.”

Realizing who it was, “No way, why are you here?!” The bartender, Chang Min-Ho, and his men were left in shock.

The figure was Kang Dae-Hyun, the Lieutenant of Hwang Clan, impeccably attired in a black suit. His imposing presence sent shivers through everyone merely by his gaze.

“I’m here because of him,” standing alongside Jae-Hoon.

________________________________________

*Few hours before Jae-Hoon heads to the gambling den*

Alone in his hotel room, Jae-Hoon thought about his next move, realizing he needed to get closer to the Hwang Clan. He reached out to his trusted informant in Italy, asking him to find out what the Hwang Clan has been up to lately and what issues they're dealing with.

The informant shared vital information – the Hwang Clan was caught up in a heated fight over territory with another gang. People were talking about someone leaking sensitive information, causing trouble within the clan. To handle this, they assigned Kang Dae-Hyun, Lieutenant of Hwang Clan, to find out who the traitor is.

Jae-Hoon, curious: "Any idea who might be behind the information leak?"

Informant, carefully: "Not sure about the name, but people suspect Chang Min Ho. He's been doing shady stuff and works as a bartender at the largest gambling den in Seoul. Little do people know, he's the actual owner of that place. I've sent you the map to his place. Check your phone."

Jae-Hoon told the informant to find a way to contact Kang Dae-Hyun quietly. The informant, good at digging up info, managed to secure his contact .

Informant: "Here's Kang Dae-Hyun's contact. Be careful, though. He's not someone you want to mess with."

Jae-Hoon, confident: "I'll handle it from here. Your debt is paid."

Informant: "Grazie" (Thanks)

With Kang Dae-Hyun’s contact information in hand, Jae-Hoon prepared to start a conversation as his first step into the Hwang Clan.

*Buzz, buzz* (Phone ringing)

Kang Dae-Hyun: "Who's this?"

Jae-Hoon, calmly: "I'm Jae-Hoon. You don't know me, but we have a common interest. I heard your clan is dealing with some internal issues, and I've got information that might help find the traitor."

Kang Dae-Hyun: "You claim to know about our inside problems. Why should I believe you, and what do you want in return?"

Jae-Hoon, continue: "I've got my reasons for wanting to team up with the Hwang Clan. Let's just say I'm after money and power. I can give you useful info about your rival, and in return, I'm looking for a chance to join your clan."

Kang Dae-Hyun, interested but cautious: "Details. What info do you have, and why should I trust you?"

Jae-Hoon, sharing some intel: "You know your rival gang has been taking advantage of certain weaknesses in the clan. They know about recent operations, weak spots, and key members. And I know who's behind it. As for trust, I'll prove myself by helping you deal with this threat."

Kang Dae-Hyun, thinking it over: "This better not be a setup. If what you're saying is true, you'll get a chance to prove yourself. If not, you won't live to regret it."

Jae-Hoon: "Wait for my message."

And so it begins. Standing by his hotel window, Jae-Hoon looks at the city lights of Seoul. It might seem peaceful now, but soon it'll witness the violence of his revenge.

"The game starts."