Jaehyun awoke to the dawn breaking faintly through his curtains, a calm intensity in his movements as he rose from bed. In the bathroom, he let the cold water cascade over him, the chill sharpening his focus as he prepared for the day's event.
Every motion was purposeful, from lathering his skin to adjusting his hair, honing the steely resolve that defined him. Once he stepped out of the shower, Jaehyun dressed meticulously, selecting a tailored suit that matched the gravity of today's occasion.
He strode out to find his team awaiting him: the CBU members flanked at attention, Director Jung, and the heads of the Strategic Planning Department's three offices, all present and ready. Outside, Jaehyun's Rolls Royce Phantom Black Badge awaited, its sleek design mirroring the silent, powerful aura he projected.
Director Kim opened the door for him with quiet precision, and Jaehyun slipped inside, settling as the motorcade formed around him—a procession of Mercedes E-Classes and G-Wagons carrying CBU security detail.
Once they were underway, Jaehyun turned to Director Kim, seated in the passenger seat. "Call Director Jung and inform him that Team Leader Jeon will represent us if an opportunity arises," he instructed.
With a nod, Director Kim dialed quickly, relaying the message with crisp clarity. "Director Jung, Team Leader Jeon will represent JH Group if the Chairman decides to participate in the event."
On the other end, Director Jung's voice responded, unwavering. "Understood, Director Kim."
With everything set, the convoy advanced, cutting a direct path toward their destination, the weight of Jaehyun's plans bearing silently across each member in his loyal entourage.
Underground Warehouse of Castle Hotel
In the dim light of Castle Hotel's underground warehouse, the powerful pillars of Castle gathered in hushed anticipation. The atmosphere was thick with authority and tension, every figure a testament to the organization's strength and influence. They had all arrived, their guards stationed at a respectable distance—no more than ten, as per the unspoken rule.
Yet as Choi Minwook made his entrance with nearly a hundred men in tow, no one dared voice an objection. His position as Chairman of Castle Holdings granted him authority above reproach, making his choice of company indisputable.
Minwook walked to his seat, his commanding presence dominating the room, and gestured toward a new chair that had been placed prominently beside him in the right corner. With a slight smile and a knowing glance at the gathered pillars, he addressed them.
"As you can see," he began, his voice resonating with a tone of both formality and gravitas, "we have a new seat today. It is my pleasure to introduce a special guest, the Chairman of JH Group."
The assembly shifted as the sound of polished, dark vehicles filled the space, engines humming before cutting off in unison. The doors opened, and from each car, nearly fifty men of the CBU emerged with precision and poise, forming into two lines in flawless symmetry.
Chief Han positioned himself to the right of the lead car, his eyes scanning the area with keen vigilance, while Director Jung took his place on the left, his composure as steady as stone.
Director Kim moved to open Jaehyun's door, bowing slightly as he ushered him out with practiced formality. Jaehyun stepped out of the car, his black mask covering everything but his sharp eyes, nose, and lips. Dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, he exuded an air of elegance and authority. With each deliberate step he took, his presence seemed to intensify, filling the room with a quiet but undeniable power.
The CBU parted as Jaehyun moved forward, silent in their deference. He approached the empty seat at Minwook's side, nodding at each pillar in acknowledgment. His gaze held firm as he looked around, his expression revealing nothing yet commanding everything.
"Pleasure to meet you all," Jaehyun said, his voice smooth and confident, each word weighted with respect yet with a subtle, unyielding authority. As he took his seat beside Minwook, the eyes of every pillar remained fixed on him, an unspoken recognition of his quiet dominance settling over the room.
Dressed sharply in a pristine white suit, Jeongdan stepped into the center of the gathering, his movements precise and composed. He bowed, a respectful yet authoritative gesture, and addressed the room, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and expectation.
"I am honored to serve everyone here," he began, his eyes sweeping over each of the powerful figures in attendance. "I am Jeongdan, Head of Castle Holdings Security, and I will be hosting today's event." He paused briefly, allowing the anticipation to settle in the air.
"To briefly explain the purpose of our gathering today…" He motioned towards the room with a calm, steady hand. "This is the place for the exchange between the six pillars of Castle. Our organization has long welcomed new qualifying members, but this time, things are not quite as they have been. Today, rather than simply welcome the new members, we will hold an exchange session between the four original pillars and the two new pillars who have recently joined us."
Jeongdan's gaze sharpened as he added, "And the format of this exchange will be… the traditional way we have always done it."
A ripple of interest moved through the room. He continued, his voice taking on a subtly commanding tone, "Normally, there are no restrictions or formal rules in this method, but to make your precious time here worthwhile, we've imposed two simple rules."
A hush fell over the crowd.
"One: only the original four pillars may call a halt or surrender in a match. Two: no one here is responsible for anything unfortunate that may happen during this exchange."
As his words sank in, a quiet tension filled the room, and murmurs of anticipation and speculation spread
After the intense fight between Lee Pil-do and Grolar concluded, Jaehyun stood from his seat, beginning a slow, deliberate clap. His applause cut through the murmurs, drawing all eyes to him.
"Impressive, Chairman Choi. Your organization has certainly displayed world-class fighting skill, and I must say, I've thoroughly enjoyed myself." He let his words hang for a moment, eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "Since you've shown me something this extraordinary, I thought it fitting to offer a gift of my own."
Choi Minwook's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned forward with a slight smile. "Oh? And what might that be, Chairman Lee?"
Jaehyun's gaze swept over the room, his tone cool yet enticing. "How about this: one of your pillars may choose to fight one of my men. And naturally, I wouldn't make such a proposition without an incentive. Should you win, I'll owe you a favor—one within my power, as long as it remains reasonable. And, of course, if you lose, there's no obligation on your part."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the room, the pillars exchanging glances, intrigued by the prospect. The favor of JH Group, especially from Jaehyun, was no trivial reward.
Minwook scanned the pillars. "Is anyone interested in taking up Chairman Lee's offer?" he asked, his gaze encouraging.
Madam Lisa, the blonde pillar from Iskra, stepped forward, her eyes sharp and calculating. "I'll take you up on that, Chairman Lee," she declared, a faint smile curving her lips. She turned and called, "Bison."
At her signal, a towering, muscular man with a fierce presence made his way down to the center of the arena.
Jaehyun's expression remained calm, a slight nod of approval. "Excellent." He turned to his side, and his voice took on a commanding edge. "Team Leader Jeon," he said, with a hint of anticipation. "Go down."
Without hesitation, Team Leader Jeon stepped forward, descending with a measured pace, his eyes locked onto Bison's. The room buzzed with anticipation, the stage set for an exhilarating clash.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Team Leader Jeon and Bison squared off, their contrasting fighting styles promising a thrilling match. Bison stood like an immovable force, his frame solid and imposing, while
Jeon's stance was light and ready, exuding a calm yet formidable presence. As the signal to begin echoed through the space, Bison made the first move, charging forward with a powerful punch aimed at Jeon's chest.
Team Leader Jeon moved with swift, fluid precision, sidestepping the blow as his foot shot out in a powerful kick that connected squarely with Bison's torso. Bison staggered but held his ground, unfazed. He countered with a steady series of punches, his aim true, but Jeon stayed one step ahead,
weaving through each strike and retaliating with calculated, powerful kicks that landed with force. He was measured, displaying only as much power as needed, moving fast but controlled.
As Bison tried to close the distance, Jeon blocked a heavy blow with his forearm, shifting his weight to launch another strike that sent Bison stumbling back.
The crowd stirred as Bison hit the ground, momentarily stunned. Jeon took a step forward, preparing for the final move to knock him out. But before he could strike, Lisa's voice rang out, calm and definitive.
"We withdraw," she announced, cutting through the tension.
Jeon stopped instantly, his foot poised mid-air, then lowered it gracefully. He looked to Jaehyun, awaiting a silent confirmation. Jaehyun gave a small nod, acknowledging the withdrawal.
With measured composure, Team Leader Jeon stepped back and returned to his place beside Director Jung, his expression composed and unreadable, leaving a quiet sense of his controlled power hanging in the air.