The bar was dimly lit, the soft hum of jazz playing in the background. Gok leaned back on his stool, nursing a glass of whiskey as he stared into the amber liquid. Across from him sat Sung Min-Ki, his arm still bandaged from the battle but his spirits high.
"You know," Sung said, swirling his drink, "we've been through hell, but here we are... talking about girls and happy times like we didn't almost die."
Gok chuckled, taking another sip. "It's how life works, isn't it? One day you're fighting for the world, the next you're debating which actress is hotter."
They both laughed, the weight of recent events momentarily lifted. The door to the bar creaked open, and King D strolled in, flanked by his ever-loyal Yakuza entourage. His presence was impossible to miss, his sharp suit and confident swagger drawing attention from every patron.
"Gok!" King D boomed, walking straight to him. Without warning, he slapped the back of Gok's neck playfully. "Still alive, eh? Thought the Rat might've finished you off for good."
"Not a chance," Gok replied with a smirk. "I've got more lives than a cat."
The three of them sat together, sharing drinks and stories. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, laughter filled the air instead of battle cries.
A Peculiar Gift
Later that night, Gok's phone buzzed. It was a message from Wu-Ji.
Wu-Ji: Brother, I sent a hamster to your place. Take care of it.
Gok raised an eyebrow, muttering, "A hamster? Really, Wu-Ji?"
When he arrived home around midnight, there it was—a tiny, fluffy hamster scurrying around a cage. It squeaked, its little nose twitching as it looked up at him.
"What am I supposed to do with you?" Gok muttered, kneeling by the cage.
Then, the hamster did the unthinkable.
"Hey," it said in a squeaky yet distinctly sarcastic voice, "it sucks being an animal. Is this karma or what?"
Gok froze, his eyes widening. "What the hell? Who are you?"
The hamster hopped onto its hind legs, crossing its tiny arms. "I don't know why I reincarnated as a hamster, but... I'm Rat. You remember me, kid?"
Gok stared at the creature, dumbfounded. "You've got to be kidding me. The great Rat... reduced to a hamster?"
"Laugh it up," the hamster—Rat—snapped. "But don't forget, I almost ended you."
They bickered for a while, their banter surprisingly lighthearted considering their past. Eventually, Gok leaned back, a sly grin on his face.
"You know, this might be fun," he said. "I think I'll keep you around. But don't expect me to go easy on you. You're just a hamster, after all."
Rat groaned. "Great. I'm stuck with an idiot."
Election Day
The next day, the streets buzzed with excitement as the national election began. Against all odds, Gok had entered the race for Prime Minister, his reputation as a savior and former player earning him massive support.
The results came in faster than expected.
Gok: 100,670 votes.
Opponent: 10 votes.
The announcement was met with deafening cheers across the country. Gok stood on stage, his iconic grin plastered across his face as he raised a hand to silence the crowd.
"Thank you," he began, his voice carrying over the roaring applause. "I may not have all the answers, but I promise to lead with the same determination that brought us through the darkest days. Together, we'll build a brighter future."
The crowd erupted once more, chanting his name.
A Familiar Shadow
That night, as Gok sat alone in his office, his thoughts wandered. Rat's cage was in the corner, the little hamster snoring softly.
But something felt... off.
A faint chill ran down his spine, and the air seemed to grow heavier. He turned toward the window, and for a brief moment, he saw it—a shadowy figure standing in the distance, its form unnervingly familiar.
Venik's voice echoed in his mind, cold and haunting.
"Insect."
The figure vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Gok staring into the darkness. He clenched his fists, his heart pounding.
"This isn't over," he muttered to himself. "Not by a long shot."
MADMAN - Part 2: End