Eugene leaned back in his leather chair, gazing out at the glittering skyline of Seoul through the massive window behind his desk. The city buzzed beneath him, alive with ambition, hunger, and desperation—a perfect microcosm of the struggles and triumphs he had come to master.
His fingers absently tapped against the tablet on his lap, its screen displaying an image that had captivated his interest for several months: Toji. The "Devil Child," a man who had single-handedly dismantled Big Deal as if they were a mere inconvenience, now ruling the central district of Seoul with his crew, Division. They had quickly become the focus of attention, drawing in both admiration and envy from those around them.
Standing by Eugene's side, Mandseok, a massive figure with dark skin and an impressive afro, cast a sidelong glance at the screen. "Wouldn't it be more beneficial to bring someone like him into our fold? A guy like that could be a real asset."
Eugene smirked, though his gaze remained fixed on the skyline. "Toji isn't the kind of person who plays by anyone's rules but his own." His tone conveyed the certainty of a man who had scrutinized human behavior long enough to understand the psychology of pride. "Someone like him thrives on arrogance."
Mandseok shifted slightly, his towering frame casting a shadow over the sleek furniture. "So, is he an enemy we should be concerned about?"
Eugene's smirk widened, a flicker of cold amusement sparking in his eyes. "He could be." He swiped the tablet, revealing another image. This time, it was a family photo—a stern-looking father, a warm, nurturing mother, and two children. The sister playfully tugged on her brother's cheek, who looked mildly annoyed. That brother was unmistakably Toji.
"But pride has its weaknesses," Eugene murmured, zooming in on the sister's face, a playful smile lighting her features. "Everyone has something they care about, even someone like him. That makes them vulnerable."
Mandseok leaned in closer, his sharp gaze narrowing as he absorbed the implications. "His sister..."
Eugene's expression turned sharper, his mind racing ahead. "T Group went public two years ago, and they've been struggling to maintain relevance. Their grip on key markets is slipping, and their value as potential allies to Division is diminishing." His fingers danced across the screen, tapping lightly. "If we exploit these cracks, Toji's influence will collapse, regardless of how strong he believes he is."
Mandseok took a moment to process Eugene's words, acknowledging the brilliance of his strategy. With Eugene, it was never about brute force; it was about manipulation and control. Mandseok had learned to respect that approach, accepting his role as the enforcer of Eugene's plans.
"Do you want me to start preparing the men?" Mandseok asked, his deep voice steady.
"Not yet." Eugene's reply was calm but firm, a reminder that patience was just as crucial as action.
"Toji may have crushed Big Deal effortlessly, but Big Deal's territory isn't entirely consumed. The areas he's taken—important spots with money pools and strategic real estate—are key. However, a man like Toji can't orchestrate all of this alone. There's someone else behind him... someone with a mind like mine."
Eugene's fingers glided across the screen again, pulling up another image. Jinyoung, Division's No. 3, a middle school student who had somehow earned a position of power. Eugene scrutinized the image, his mind racing through the connections, structures, and vulnerabilities of Division. He had been tracking their movements for some time.
With another swipe, Eugene brought up Jinyoung's image again. "Jinyoung... He's the glue holding them together. A kid, but his capability exceeds that of most adults."
Mandseok raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into his expression. "You think he's the mastermind?"
Eugene tilted his head slightly, a calculated smile gracing his lips. "I've learned never to underestimate people like him. There's always more beneath the surface."
"As for Toji," Eugene continued, his voice quiet but tinged with a sense of finality, "by the time he realizes what's happening, it'll be too late."
Mandseok's interest piqued. "What do you mean? You've already neutralized him?"
Eugene's smile deepened, a rare yet calculated expression. "He's going to meet someone very interesting today—someone who can't be taken down by brute force alone. Think of it as my welcome gift. Division may be a rising crew, but they must be crushed at the outset. Seoul has no room for amateurs."
He chuckled softly, the sound low and chilling. "Like a wounded animal with his pride hurt, he'll have no choice but to join me. Division is more than just a crew; it's a structure built on fear, similar to how God Dog operates."
Mandseok hesitated, a frown creeping across his face. "So why bother with Division at all?"
Eugene's expression turned serious, eyes narrowing slightly. . "Because despite being a crew, the speed at which they're growing feels almost orchestrated, as if it had been planned for years. They're pulling in money and using their influence effectively. They've managed to recruit ex-convicts through favors, effectively leashing them. The power they hold can propel the Workers several steps ahead in our plan to crush Charles Choi."
Mandseok stood in silence, processing Eugene's words. Toji may have crushed Big Deal, but to Eugene, he was just another piece on the chessboard—an strong piece, certainly, but not the one pulling all the strings. There was always someone orchestrating events from the shadows.
"First, we need the anchor of division, I want him, and will be easy to use," Eugene said, his tone shifting back to business as he pointed at Jinyoung's image. "I want him. He'll be easier to bend to our will. Jinyoung is the nail holding Division together. Once we remove him... the rest will crumble."
"But what if he defeats that man?" Mandseok asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.
Eugene's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That's not a possibility, not with Toji's current position. His arrogance points to two possibilities: either he possesses exceptional strength to back it up, or he's simply a fool thriving on the praises of losers. The skills Toji has displayed so far lead me to believe he isn't as capable as he projects."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He grew up in a loving family, surrounded by a protective environment. He doesn't truly understand suffering. The person he's about to face is a legend—someone who could pose a challenge even to the strongest of the Zero Generation. One of three true lunatics, he could dismantle the Workers single-handedly. That's why I keep that person entertained. I don't believe Toji has any chance of winning."
Mandseok nodded slowly, the gravity of Eugene's words settling in. It was true; there was no way Toji could emerge victorious against a monster like that man. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine, reminding him of the encounters he had with that man....that Lunatic.