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"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity."
- Amelia Earhart
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Eugene's sharp gaze remained fixed on the bustling construction site before him. The new circus grounds were already taking shape, large steel structures and concrete foundations laying the groundwork for an underground spectacle designed to lure in criminals for brutal, life-or-death battles. Workers moved about like ants, oblivious to the machinations of the executives standing above them.
Eugene had just finished a phone call. His usually composed expression was hardened with a hint of surprise and irritation. The call had brought unexpected news, the Fourth and Third Affiliates had fallen. The newly formed Allied Crew had swept through their defenses, leaving nothing but chaos in their wake.
Turning his attention away from the construction, Eugene's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Mitsuki Soma and Sinu Han. Mitsuki stood by, her mask absent, revealing her cold yet beautiful features. She exuded an air of calmness despite the gravity of the situation. Sinu, on the other hand, wore his signature mask, standing silently behind her. Though his eyes were visible, they were devoid of recognition or memory, Eugene had ensured that.
"Eli Jang and Warren Chae," Eugene began, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Their names have been circulating for some time now, and it seems the rumors were true. The Allied Crew has taken down the Fourth and Third Affiliates. Our lower defenses are crumbling faster than expected."
Mitsuki's expression shifted ever so slightly, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. "The Allied Crew, you say?" she asked, her tone cool but inquisitive. "What do we know about them?"
Eugene adjusted his glasses, his eyes flickering with calculation. "Not much, unfortunately. The only solid information we have is that they're students from J High School. Daniel Park leads them, but he's not alone. Zack Lee, Vasco, Jay Hong, and a few others are part of his core group. They've been missing from the usual scene for about three months now. There have been rumors suggesting that Warren and Eli had been working at the White Tiger Job Centre during that time. They've clearly been training... and training hard."
Mitsuki's gaze drifted toward Sinu for a moment, then back to Eugene. "So, they've gained strength and come back to challenge us. But taking down the Fourth and Third Affiliates is hardly an accomplishment," she said dismissively. "Are they truly a threat?"
Eugene's eyes hardened as he turned fully toward her. "Don't underestimate them. What they lack in experience, they make up for in determination and sheer grit. The fact that they've managed to dismantle two of our affiliates, regardless of their tier, indicates that they're not to be taken lightly. They will likely target the Second and First Affiliates next, aiming to weaken us before setting their sights on the headquarters."
Mitsuki's lips curled into a faint smile. "So, what will be your next move, Eugene?"
"I'll prepare," Eugene replied calmly, "and make sure we're ready for their assault. To bolster the defenses, I'll send two people from headquarters to assist. Our focus must be on containing the threat and eliminating it before they can get any closer."
He glanced at Sinu, whose expression remained impassive behind the mask. "Sinu will handle matters here," Eugene continued. "He may not remember who he is, but his skills are intact, and they will suffice."
Mitsuki glanced back at Sinu with a hint of curiosity. "And if they manage to reach here?"
Eugene's gaze sharpened, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "Then they'll face a very different battle. We will show them the true strength of the Workers. But for now, Mitsuki, be on alert. I want you to keep your eyes open for any signs of movement from the Allied Crew. If they plan to strike the Second Affiliate, we'll be ready."
Mitsuki gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, her expression once again cool and composed. "Understood. I will prepare accordingly."
As she and Sinu turned to leave, Eugene cast one last glance at the construction site below, watching as the new circus took shape. His thoughts drifted to the Allied Crew and the challenge they posed. They had caught the Workers off guard once, but Eugene intended to ensure it would not happen again.
The game had just begun, and Eugene was determined to remain several moves ahead.
....
Amidst the rain-soaked alleyway, the intense clash between Vin Jin and Gun continued. Gun's eyes gleamed with sadistic excitement, a rare thrill coursing through him as he faced Vin.
Vin, breathing heavily but still defiant, clenched his fists. He had already taken some hard hits, and bruises had begun to form along his jaw and ribs. But despite the pain, he refused to back down. Zack Lee, standing a few meters away, watched with clenched fists, resisting the urge to jump back into the fight. Vin had insisted on taking Gun on alone for now, a determination to prove himself etched into his expression.
"You've improved, Vin," Gun said, his voice laced with amusement. "But are you really prepared for this level?" Without waiting for a response, Gun lunged forward, his fist slicing through the rain as it aimed for Vin's face.
Vin evaded the strike by the narrowest margin, dropping low and using his momentum to drive a sweeping kick toward Gun's legs. Gun, however, leapt into the air, effortlessly avoiding the attack. Before Vin could reposition, Gun was upon him again, his knee driving toward Vin's midsection.
Vin crossed his arms to block, absorbing the blow and gritting his teeth as the impact sent him skidding back several feet across the wet pavement. "Is that all you've got?" Vin taunted, despite the stinging pain in his arms.
Gun's smile widened as he cracked his knuckles. "Not even close." He darted forward again, this time mixing in feints with powerful jabs aimed at Vin's head and torso. Vin, relying on his speed and durability, managed to parry some of the blows while slipping past others. His counterattacks came swiftly, utilizing the secret techniques of his father's combat manual.
Vin unleashed a combination of Kudo and Judo moves, grabbing Gun's wrist mid-punch and attempting to flip him over. Gun's feet left the ground for a moment, but with a sudden twist of his body, he broke free of Vin's hold and landed with perfect balance, his expression still exuding that unsettling calm.
Undeterred, Vin switched tactics, using Ssireum techniques to focus on Gun's joints. He threw himself into a series of bone-grabbing moves, trying to force Gun's limbs into vulnerable positions. Gun allowed Vin to get close, and just when it seemed like Vin had the upper hand, Gun exploded with a counter, driving a vicious elbow strike into Vin's shoulder, knocking him off balance.
Vin staggered, his breath coming out in heavy pants, but his eyes burned with resolve. "I'm not done yet," he growled, charging back at Gun.
From the sidelines, Zack's jaw tightened as he watched the brutal exchange. It was clear that Vin's growth was real, his moves were sharp, his techniques diverse, and his durability had increased significantly. Yet, Gun was still fighting as though he were barely warming up. The intensity of their clash was undeniable, the force of their blows causing splashes of rainwater to fly into the air with each impact.
As Vin launched another combination, aiming a spinning back kick at Gun's head, Zack couldn't help but silently root for him. If Vin could hold his ground, if he could push Gun just a little bit further, then maybe, just maybe, they could turn the tide of this fight.
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End of the chapter
Author Out!