It's been six months. Six months of grueling training, stern discipline, and philosophical revelations. Choi Seong-Jae had returned from the mountains not just a different man, a weapon re-shaped, honed, and deadly.
Dawn was coloring the sky scarlet as Son Jae stood with his naked torso on a rocky ledge, performing the honed movements of the Iron Grip. His body was a work of art, carved with sweat and pain. every muscle was tense, every strike calibrated and deadly.
On his back was a new tattoo, a complex composition combining symbols of the Catholic religion and Korean mythology. The image of the Archangel Michael defeating a dragon was intertwined with images of a scarlet dragon, representing power and authority. On the palms were stigmata symbolizing sacrifice and suffering. It was a sign of baptism, a sign that Son Jae had gone through hell and returned renewed.
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Farewell to the Falcon:
In the evening, sitting around the campfire, Sun Jae and Falcon had their last conversation.
"You're ready," Falcon pronounced, looking at Sun Jae with pride. - "You've wielded the Iron Grip, you've learned to control your emotions, you know what true power is. It's time to return to Rome.
"Thank you, Master," Sung-Jae replied, bowing his head. - "You have changed my life."
Falcon smiled.
"Don't thank me," he said. - "I am only shaping your path. You must go on your own from here.
Sadness appeared in Falcon's eyes.
"I have one favor to ask of you," he uttered. - "If you get the chance...help Kim Gap-ryong's child. If he's alive, of course. I heard he has a son...protect him if he needs protection."
Sung-jae wondered. Why would Falcon, so harsh and ruthless, ask the son of his enemy for help?
"Why should I do this?" - Sung-Jae asked.
"He is not guilty of his father's sins," replied Falcon. - "This is his only chance for a normal life. And then... He has the blood of a great fighter running through him."
Sung-Jae was silent. He promised Falcon that he would honor his request if he had the chance.
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Return to Rome:
Rome greeted Sung-Jae with silence. But that silence was deceptive. It was laden with tension and anticipation. Everyone knew that Sun Jae was returning, and everyone waited to see what would happen next.
The meeting with the allies was held in strict strictness. Marco and Kim reported on the current situation. Things changed a bit during Son Jae's inclusion. Don Contarello was trying to regain his power by weaving intrigue and plotting against Son Jae of the other clans.
"Don thinks you're too tough," Marco reported. - "He's afraid you're destroying everything he's built up throughout his life."
"He's wrong," Sung-Jae replied. - "I am consolidating his power. But if he gets in my way...I will not spare him.
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Preparing to leave for Korea:
Sun Jae realized that his time in Rome was coming to an end. He had to return to Korea to finish what he had started there. But before he left, he had to be sure that his power in Rome would not be shaken.
He instructed Marco and Kim to consolidate control of the city, eliminate all traitors, and neutralize Don Contarello. He wanted to stay after order and stability.
He realizes that returning to Korea will not be easy. A war awaits him with enemies who want him dead. But he was not afraid. He was ready for any challenge.
He had been through hell, he possessed the Iron Grip, he had learned strength and wisdom. He was ready for battle.
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On his last night in Rome, Sun Jae stood on the roof of the palazzo, looking out over the city at night. He thought back to everything that had happened to him during this time. He had come to Rome to find his place in this world. And he had found it.
He had become the ruler of Rome, a legend whose name inspired fear and respect. But as he began, this was only the beginning. Many more battles and trials lay ahead of him.
He looked and looked eastward, toward Korea. There his destiny awaited him. And he was ready to meet her face.