THE STREET KING

Jinwoo walked through the neon-lit streets of Seoul, his hands tucked into his coat pockets.

The city felt different. Or maybe he did.

Hours ago, he had taken a life. Not in self-defense. Not in a street fight.

But as an executioner.

His fingers twitched. He could still feel the weight of the trigger, the cold efficiency of the kill.

He had done exactly what Joon-Sang wanted.

But that didn't mean he was their puppet.

---

2. A Bloody Message

Jinwoo returned to the safehouse just before dawn.

Ji-Eun was still asleep, her breathing steady.

Good.

He pulled out his phone. One unread message.

Unknown Number: "Impressive. Report to the Black Lotus Club tonight. Midnight."

Jinwoo smirked. They thought he would follow orders so easily?

He deleted the message.

Then, he grabbed a burner phone and sent a single text.

To Hana: "Tell Joon-Sang I'm coming. But on my terms."

If they wanted a King, they would have to earn one.

---

3. The Club of Kings

The Black Lotus Club wasn't just a club—it was a fortress.

Only the most powerful people in Seoul were allowed inside. It was where deals were made, alliances were broken, and wars were decided before they ever hit the streets.

Jinwoo entered without hesitation.

The bouncers didn't stop him.

They knew who he was now.

As he stepped inside, a familiar voice called out.

"You're late."

Hana.

She leaned against the bar, swirling a glass of whiskey.

Jinwoo smirked. "Didn't know I was on a schedule."

She gestured toward the VIP lounge. "He's waiting."

Jinwoo didn't move. "Tell me something first."

Hana raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Jinwoo leaned in. "Who's really pulling the strings?"

She stared at him for a moment. Then, she chuckled.

"That's the right question."

Jinwoo's jaw tightened.

He had suspected it. Joon-Sang wasn't the final boss.

There was someone else.

And he was going to find them.

---

4. The Offer Repeated

Joon-Sang was waiting in the VIP lounge, a cigar in his hand.

He gestured to the seat across from him. "Have a drink."

Jinwoo didn't sit. "What do you really want from me?"

Joon-Sang exhaled a plume of smoke. "I want you to survive."

Jinwoo scoffed. "Bullshit."

Joon-Sang smirked. "Fine. You want the truth? You're a wildcard, Jinwoo. Someone with talent, but no leash."

Jinwoo narrowed his eyes. "And you think you can leash me?"

Joon-Sang laughed. "Not leash. Guide."

He leaned forward. "There's a storm coming, Jinwoo. The streets you knew? They're gone. A new order is rising."

Jinwoo tilted his head. "And if I refuse?"

Joon-Sang's smile didn't fade. "Then you'll die in the old world, along with everyone you care about."

Jinwoo's fingers twitched.

He wasn't afraid of dying.

But Ji-Eun?

His crew?

If they were dragged into this war—

He had no choice.

For now.

But one day, the real King would sit on the throne.

And it wouldn't be Joon-Sang.

It would be him.

---

5. Declaring War

Jinwoo stood at the rooftop of the club, staring at the city.

Seoul was a battlefield.

He had just chosen his side.

For now.

His phone buzzed. Another message.

Unknown Number: "We know what you did. You're next."

Jinwoo smirked.

Let them come.

Because the real game was just beginning.

And this time—he wasn't playing by anyone's rules.

---

End of Chapter 106

(Next Chapter: The First War Begins)

---

The tension is building, and Jinwoo is no longer just a player—he's becoming a threat.