The skyline of Seoul was blanketed in a dark haze as the city's streets buzzed with the frantic pace of politics, business, and power struggles. But beneath the surface, a storm was brewing—one that would shake the very foundation of global order. In the aftermath of the Funik Clan's rise and the Korean Team's arrival, the world had descended into chaos.
Yet there was something even darker approaching.
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The Return of Rat
Twenty-one years ago, a figure known as Rat had been part of the Zodiac Twelve, a collection of the strongest rankers in the world. Known for his treacherous cunning and mastery of subterfuge, he had been a major threat in the world of rankers. But after a fierce battle with Gok, Rat had been gravely injured and presumed dead. No one had seen or heard from him since.
Until now.
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The Revelation
The global broadcast screens flashed a breaking news report across the world:
"The Rat has returned."
It was a single sentence that sent shockwaves through every nation. Rat, who had been thought to be a mere myth, had somehow returned from the grave. The very mention of his name was enough to stir fear in the hearts of those who had once faced his wrath.
His reappearance wasn't just a personal threat—it was a signal that something far more dangerous was in motion. Rat wasn't just a player. He was a political puppet master, pulling strings behind the scenes. And his return signaled the start of a new, darker era.
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The First Strike
Gok had been notified almost immediately. He had been preparing for a world-changing event, but he hadn't expected this—Rat's sudden return. The weight of their past encounter loomed over him like a shadow. Gok knew better than anyone what Rat was capable of. His Unseen Hand, the ability to control the flow of politics and instigate conflict from the shadows, made him a terrifying force.
As the world scrambled to comprehend the news, Rat's influence began to spread. He didn't announce himself through brute force or chaos; no, he was far subtler.
Across the world, political figures began to fall in line with a mysterious figure—one who spoke of ideals, promises of a new world order, and the restoration of lost power. Rat was using his control over media and politics to carve a path for himself. He was no longer just a ranker; he was the true shadow leader.
In Seoul, Gok sat at a secret government meeting. The faces around him were grim, as they watched Rat's rise from the depths of global obscurity.
"This is not just a personal vendetta," Gok warned, his voice cold and filled with authority. "Rat is manipulating global politics. He's pulling strings across governments, and we are too late to stop him unless we act now."
Sung-Min-Ki and the Korean Team stood behind Gok, silent but ready. They had been expecting this moment. They had been preparing for a fight that would determine the fate of the world, but even they knew they were not fully prepared for the chaos Rat would bring.
Rat was not just a ranker anymore. He had become a political figurehead. His return would reshape the world, and with his cunning and strategy, he would manipulate entire nations to do his bidding.
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Rat's Political Game
Meanwhile, Rat sat in his hidden underground lair, overlooking the chaos he had already set in motion. His long, lean form was cloaked in shadows, his eyes glowing with a cold, calculating fire. His face, once marked by the injuries Gok had inflicted, was now a mask of cruelty. He had recovered—far beyond what anyone could have imagined.
"The world is ripe for change," Rat whispered to himself, his hands moving over a map filled with alliances, factions, and players. "All it needs is a little push. And I will be that push."
Rat's ability to manipulate the media was unmatched. Using his influence, he had already begun to sway public opinion. Leaders across the globe had fallen victim to his subtle tactics. Political figures were either coerced, compromised, or eliminated—one by one, nations bent to his will.
In the span of a week, Rat had established himself as the head of a shadow government, with its own military and secret service working behind the scenes. His operatives, hidden in every corner of the world, moved without detection, executing his plans with deadly precision.
Rat wasn't just back for revenge; he was back to reclaim the world, to become the puppet master who controlled the threads of power. The rest of the world would dance to his tune.
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The Clash of Ideals
The tension in the room was palpable as world leaders scrambled to react. The United Nations had called an emergency summit to address Rat's return, but the truth was clear: no one knew how to deal with him. Rat's influence was too deep, his power too vast.
"We must act swiftly," a U.S. representative said, slamming his fist on the table. "If we allow this to continue, he'll turn every country against us. We need to act now. This is more than just a fight—it's a battle for the future of humanity."
Wu-Ji, who had been keeping a low profile since the tower battles, stood up. His expression was one of resolve. "The time for talks is over."
His voice cut through the chaos of the meeting like a blade.
"I don't care about political squabbles or diplomatic treaties," he said, his gaze turning toward Gok. "We need to stop Rat before his influence becomes too powerful. We can't let him control the world from the shadows."
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The Final Confrontation
The battle would not be fought in the halls of government. It would be fought in the streets, in the hearts of the people, and on the virtual battlefield where power could be won or lost in a single strike.
Rat had set his sights on Gok and the others, knowing full well that only their defeat could ensure his complete dominance. As the battle lines were drawn, Gok and his team knew they were facing something far greater than just a fight for survival.
This wasn't about rankers anymore. It was about the fate of the world.