"Heh, you got yourself beat, yet again. This time by someone completely unknown."
"Enough, Gun. Let him speak."
Inside a small room, a taunting laugh echoed from a 16-year-old young man with slick black hair. The sclera of his eyes was black, with white irises and pupils. He wore a white t-shirt, paired with white pants and a gold chain hanging from the side. This was Gun.
He was standing beside a middle-aged man seated in a small chair. The man had black hair streaked with hints of white, showing his age. He wore a black blazer over a white dress shirt, black pants, and shoes. His left sleeve hung empty, as he was missing his left hand. This man was Charles Choi.
"So, James." Charles spoke, directing his voice toward a 17-year-old seated in front of him. James had black and red hair, wearing a black t-shirt and pants who leaned forward with his elbows on his legs, staring down at the floor. "Can you tell me who it was that completely overwhelmed you?" Charles was curious to know who had managed to defeat James so easily. When he first heard of the loss, he was shocked. He knew James's capability and thought few could rival him. Even if the opponent was stronger, James shouldn't have been defeated this effortlessly. His rare talent allowed him to grow stronger mid-battle, but this time, he was overpowered in a one-sided fight. It had taken James some time to report what had happened, indicating the blow this defeat had dealt to him mentally. But Charles knew that, James would move past it with ease.
"He wasn't entirely unknown." James replied after a pause, straightening up and meeting Charles's gaze. "The former King of Seoul seems to know him. We were just too focused on the regional kings to notice someone outside of that circle."
"Hmm." Charles nodded. It was true that they had been focusing primarily on the regional kings, but he hadn't anticipated a threat of this caliber outside of that group.
"Is he a threat?" Charles asked, needing to determine if this man posed a risk to their plans. If he did, he would have to eliminate him before he became an even bigger issue.
"I don't know." James said evenly. "It was only by chance that I discovered him." James explained that luck had led him to the man, and he'd acted on his own without reporting it first, assuming he could handle him easily. That assumption turned out to be a mistake.
"But for now..." James's expression hardened. "I'd say he's stable. He didn't seem interested in positions of power, but that doesn't mean he's not a threat." James clenched his fists, frustration evident in his eyes. "His strength is on another level. And the assets he controls likely extend beyond central Seoul." James recalled the building Mikoto owned, feeling that it was only one of many, and the strange aura surrounding it made him suspect something illegal and dangerous. "So, he's both a threat and not a threat." James concluded, looking at Charles, who seemed deep in thought, considering their next steps.
"Do you have any information on him?" Charles asked. This man might well be the greatest obstacle they would face if they ever crossed paths.
"I only know his name and the title he goes by. Gitae seems to know him as well." James replied. "Aside from that, he's a mystery."
The mention of Gitae surprised Charles. Did he have connections with this man?
"So, what are they?" Charles asked, wanting to hear the name of this man who could potentially become an enemy he would have to avoid. Hearing James's description, he could only assume that, for now, it was best to wait and not act recklessly. He wasn't foolish enough to confront someone who was already perceived as a significant threat with so little information.
"They call him the Red King, and his name is Suoh Mikoto." James sighed, leaning back in his chair and staring up at the ceiling. His defeat still weighed on him, the frustrating realization of his limitations against Mikoto fresh in his mind. The gap in strength between them was painfully clear.
But then James noticed the sudden silence in the room. He looked down to find Charles and Gun staring blankly, both visibly stunned.
'Mikoto?'
'The Red King?'
Charles's thoughts fixated on the name, while Gun seemed to be mulling over the title.
"What is it?" James asked, puzzled by their reactions. 'Do they know him?' He wondered. Their stunned expressions made him think that they had some connection to the man he'd just mentioned.
"Can you describe his appearance?" Charles asked, regaining a bit of his composure. 'Could it be him?' he wondered. But he could think of no one else who matched both the name and the title. He just wanted to be sure if it was indeed that man. That monster, as he remembered him.
"Well..." James thought back to Mikoto's unique appearance. "He's tall, very tall, with red hair, amber eyes, and a very muscular build." When he finished describing him, Charles let out a sigh.
'It's him, no doubt about it.' Charles thought, recalling his personal encounter with Mikoto five years prior.
"Judging by the way both of you reacted." James continued, watching Charles, who seemed deep in thought, and Gun, who had lowered his head with an unreadable expression, "it seems you both know him." Now James's curiosity about Mikoto was piqued. Not only did Gitae know him, but these two as well. It wasn't surprising for Charles to know him, given his experience with the previous generation, but Gun's reaction was what truly intrigued James, considering how young he was.
"That's true. I know him, but only as a business associate." Charles replied, recalling his past dealings with Mikoto. "As for Gun..." Charles glanced at Gun, who was standing beside him with a dark expression. "It involved the Yamazaki clan in the past."
"But it all makes sense now." Charles said, looking back at James.
"What does?" James asked.
"It makes sense why you lost so easily." Charles replied, frustrating James by bringing up his defeat again. "After all, the man you faced is none other than the Red King. The one who overwhelmed and killed legends from the previous generation."
"What?" James's eyes widened in disbelief. The Red King not only defeated but actually killed legends from the pre-generation? He knew that those labeled as "Legends" were at the top in terms of physical strength and assets, powerful enough that even the authorities couldn't handle them. Did that mean the Red King was not just their equal, but even above them?
"Don't be too shocked. You haven't even seen him in action." Charles said, noticing James's reaction. If hearing about the Red King's feats surprised James this much, he clearly wasn't ready to see him firsthand. Charles remembered the fight that haunted him six years ago, to this day. The battle between Gapryong Kim, head of the Fist Gang, and the Red King. It was a nightmare. What was even more unbelievable was that the Red King had been a young man, only about 18 years old, at the time. An 18 year old who stood against the legends of the pre-generation.
"From now on, we will not take any action against him, no matter what." Charles added. He didn't want any trouble with the Red King, knowing that becoming that man's enemy would be like signing a death warrant. "And James, never act on your own without informing me first." Charles gave James a final, serious look. James was lucky to be alive.
"I'll be taking my leave now." Charles said, standing up and heading toward the door. "And Gun..." He paused, glancing back at Gun, who stood silently. "Don't act on your own, that's an order." Charles knew that without a direct command, Gun might take matters into his own hands, a decision that could easily get him killed. With that, Charles left, his next destination set: a meeting with the Red King himself.
In the heart of Seoul.
"It certainly has changed." Charles muttered as he looked at a massive, luxurious building. He remembered when it was still under construction. It seemed the Red King had flourished in terms of assets.
Charles wasted no time and entered the building, heading toward the reception desk.
"Excuse me." He said with a polite smile.
"Yes, sir?" The receptionist replied, looking up at Charles, awaiting his question.
"Is Suoh Mikoto available?" Charles asked, hoping he was in.
The receptionist looked momentarily surprised but answered, "No, Sir Mikoto hasn't been here for three days. I'm sorry."
"Hmm." Charles frowned. If Mikoto wasn't here, then where could he be? This was the only location he knew.
"But, sir..." The receptionist spoke again, drawing Charles's attention back to her. "Sir Mikoto did mention that if anyone were to ask for him, they could meet him at his residence."
"Thank you, but I don't know his location." Charles replied. He currently had no information on where Mikoto lived. "Could you provide it for me?"
"Hmm, you don't know where he lives?" The receptionist's face showed a hint of suspicion.
"Well, we were business partners years ago,. Charles explained quickly, noticing her expression. "We just haven't been in touch much since then."
"Alright, if that's the case." The receptionist nodded in understanding, taking out a small piece of paper and writing down the location.
"Here you go." She said, handing the paper to Charles, who accepted it gratefully.
"Thank you." Charles said with appreciation as he turned to leave.
"You're welcome." The receptionist replied.
Elsewhere, in central Seoul, on a private estate, a sprawling mansion stood, surrounded by black steel gates and a vast lawn. A luxurious fountain stood in the distance near the entrance.
In the back of the mansion, a large pool stretched out, and next to it lay a muscular man on a beach chair. His red hair was ruffled, with two strands hanging down in front of his face, and he wore purple-lensed sunglasses. He was dressed only in swim trunks, with a woman lounging beside him, clinging to his side.
"Excuse me, sir." A voice called from behind. A woman in a fitted maid uniform entered the pool area, addressing the man.
"What is it?" Mikoto replied without opening his eyes.
"Someone by the name of Charles Choi is waiting for you in the salon." The maid replied.
"Charles Choi?" Mikoto's eyes opened, revealing his amber gaze. The name sounded familiar.
"Yes, sir. He said he knows you from a business partnership." The maid explained, if Mikoto didn't know that person she would have to escort him out.
"'Partner, huh?" Mikoto thought to himself. Only one person came to mind. "So, it's that old man."
"Tell him to wait." Mikoto said simply as he sat up, removing his sunglasses and placing them on the table beside him. The woman next to him released her hold.
"Yes, sir." The maid replied, bowing before returning inside to deliver Mikoto's message.
"Let's see what that old man wants." Mikoto murmured, standing up and making his way inside.
In the salon.
Charles was waiting on a luxurious sofa beside a small table. The maid had instructed him to wait, and he felt a mixture of excitement and nerves at the thought of seeing Mikoto again.
Just as Charles was deep in thought, he noticed someone entering the room. A tall young man, much taller than he remembered, wearing only swim trunks that revealed his muscular build. His hair was spiked and ruffled, with two strands hanging down, and he wore slippers.
"It's been five years since we last met." Charles greeted, smiling as he stood up to greet the young man. "How've you been, Mikoto?" He extended his right hand as Mikoto approached.
"Yeah, it's been a while, I guess." Mikoto replied, looking down at Charles's extended hand. "I've been well. How about you, Charles?" He continued, shaking Charles's hand.
"Things are fine. Some trouble along the way, but I'll manage." Charles replied as they released each other's hands and took seats on opposite sofas, with the table between them.
"Yeah, I can see that." Mikoto remarked, noting the man's age and the absence of his left hand.
"Bring me a cold bottle of Andong Soju." Mikoto instructed the maid standing nearby, who nodded in response. "Do you want a drink?" He asked, turning to Charles.
"Just water is fine." Charles replied.
A few moments later, the maid returned with a tray. A glass bottle of Andong Soju and a cup of water. She placed the water in front of Charles, who nodded in thanks, then handed the cold bottle of Soju to Mikoto. Mikoto opened the bottle, taking a gulp.
"You've changed." Charles observed, taking a sip from his water and setting the glass back down as he watched Mikoto gulp his drink.
"How so?" Mikoto asked, frowning slightly as he savored the taste of the strong Soju.
"Let's just say you're... calmer than before." Charles replied, recalling the drastic contrast between the Mikoto he remembered and the man before him. Back then, Mikoto was a bit of an insane wild card, almost unhinged. But now, he seemed more mature, more in control.
"Well, as time passes, people grow, don't they?" Mikoto said, acknowledging his own evolution. Even he knew that "unhinged" was an understatement for how he used to be.
"You're right." Charles agreed, nodding. He certainly preferred this version of Mikoto.
"So, Charles." Mikoto continued, taking another gulp. "What brings you here today?" He sounded genuinely curious but already half-expected another business proposition. If that was the case, he planned to refuse. He had built up enough for himself in the workplace.
"Don't worry, this isn't about business." Charles chuckled, almost as if reading Mikoto's thoughts. He knew Mikoto didn't need anyone's help anymore. The man's status and assets were proof enough of that.
"I just wanted to see how the kid from back then had turned out." Charles added with a smirk. It still surprised him, seeing the unsteady, wild youth from back then now seated across from him, a self-made powerhouse.
"Yeah, thanks for that." Mikoto nodded. He did owe Charles some gratitude for his early help. But that was as far as it went. He had little use for the old man beyond the business world. "You disappeared pretty suddenly back then. And your arm..." Mikoto glanced at Charles's left sleeve, empty except for a dangling cuff. "What happened?"
"As for where I went." Charles replied with a bitter smile. "I was serving my time in prison." His words surprised Mikoto, who hadn't expected such a blunt answer. "And my arm?" Charles placed his right hand on the empty sleeve, recalling a moment of carelessness that cost him dearly. "Well, a wild man on the brink of death took it with him."
"Hmm." Mikoto gave a low hum, losing interest in the topic as he took another sip.
"By the way." Charles changed the subject. "You must have met that kid who tried to trouble you."
"The one with red and black hair?" Mikoto asked, recalling a young man who had confronted him days ago, claiming he'd take something important from him.
"Yes, that kid is with me." Charles said, catching Mikoto's glance. "Seems he acted on his own without letting me know. My apologies for that."
"Next time, keep him on a shorter leash. He's lucky a friend of mine intervened in time, or his head would've been gone." Mikoto replied, leaning back on the sofa and tilting his head to stare up at the ceiling. So, the kid was with Charles. It seemed his attempt to cripple the first-generation kings was just another part of the old man's plans.
"I already warned him." Charles replied. How could he not after James had gone up against someone who even the legends feared? "I didn't realize Gitae Kim was your friend." He hadn't expected Mikoto to be so close to someone as chaotic as Gitae.
"What can I say? I met him and took a liking to him." Mikoto replied, a hint of admiration in his voice. "He's straightforward, unlike some people."
Charles nodded, understanding Mikoto's sentiment. Gitae's way of doing things was indeed direct, even admirable in its own way.
"By the way, about the Yamazaki clan..." Charles began, steering the conversation in a new direction.
"The Yamazaki?" Mikoto's brow furrowed at the name. He had little love for that clan, given some past grievances. "What about them?"
"Well, I have a kid with me who's from the Yamazaki clan. He's a direct descendant of the head." Charles explained.
"So, that weird kid I saw back then was the son of that idiot?" Mikoto remembered a peculiar youth he had seen among the Yamazakis, with eyes resembling the man he despised. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Yes if you seen him. And as for why I'm telling you this..." Charles looked at Mikoto with a small smile. "I'd just ask, if he ever comes to you, try not to kill him if you can help it." Charles figured Gun would likely try to confront Mikoto eventually, considering past grudges.
"Yeah, I understand. After all, I did kill his father." Mikoto replied, taking a final gulp to empty the bottle. He exhaled, savoring the burning sensation. "But don't worry. I won't kill him. If anything, I pity him." Charles was surprised by the unexpected compassion. "Pity him for having an idiot for a father and for being stuck in a clan still clinging to outdated traditions. Clans like that... they're just a waste."
Charles nodded, understanding Mikoto's perspective. He even found himself agreeing.
"There's something I want to ask you." Charles said after a moment, looking directly at Mikoto.
"What is it?"
"Do you know that you have a child, or is that still new to you?" Charles asked carefully, bringing up Mikoto's only known child. After all, the infamous clash between the Fist Gang and the Red King had started because of the woman, Yeonwoo Kim.
"Just found out recently." Mikoto replied nonchalantly. "But why do you care?"
"Well, if you want, I could take the child under my wing-" Charles started, sensing that Mikoto wasn't invested in Yeonwoo Kim or the child. He could foresee that, under his guidance, the child could grow into the next Red King, making him untouchable. But before he could finish his offer...
Something fast and sharp sliced through the air, striking Charles square in the center of his forehead. He froze, eyes widening. Slowly, he felt a warm trail sliding down his face. He lifted his right hand to his forehead, and when he pulled it back, his fingers were stained with blood.
"You senile old man… know your limits."
The voice was calm, chillingly so, but it echoed with deadly intent in Charles's ears, sending a cold shiver through his entire body. He looked up to see Mikoto, still in his laid-back position, right arm extended slightly, holding the now-empty bottle. The tip of the glass bottle was gone, with a faint wisp of steam rising from where it had broken, his second finger positioned as though he'd just flicked it. But what truly unsettled Charles was Mikoto's expression.
Mikoto's face remained impassive, yet his eyes were cold and deadly, like a silent warning, a promise of danger.
"Who are you to interfere with my personal life and anything related to it?" Mikoto's words were calm, but his gaze bore down on Charles, making his pulse race. "Even if I don't care about them, the mother and child are for me to decide." He continued, leaning forward as he set the bottle on the table, his gaze never wavering. "We're business partners, nothing more, nothing less. That's the only reason you're even here." His eyes gleamed with an intense, almost supernatural glow, filling Charles with a paralyzing sense of dread. "And if I hear word that you've approached them or gone near them…"
A illusory red aura began to seep from Mikoto, swirling around him, his eyes blazing red as he stared down Charles, who felt himself buckle under the pressure.
"I'll show you hell."
"Cherish your remaining years, Charles Choi." Mikoto dismissed, leaning back, clearly done with him. "This conversation is over. Leave."
The oppressive atmosphere faded slightly, and Charles exhaled in relief, feeling the weight lift as the pressure subsided. Covered in cold sweat, he stood shakily, led out by the maid, who also seemed visibly rattled.
After finally leaving Mikoto's house, Charles got into his car and began driving, still shaken.
"That was… dangerous." He muttered, his hands trembling on the wheel. He was acutely aware that the only thing keeping him alive was the faint regard Mikoto had for their past partnership. Otherwise, he would've faced a brutal end right there. He was just grateful that he had faced the current Mikoto, and not the one from the past, for whom even a business alliance would've meant nothing. He should've chosen his words carefully.