For Choi Sung-jae, the last few days in Italy were like preparing for a grand spectacle. Everything had to be flawless, every element in its place, so that when he left behind the curtain, the set would not collapse under the weight of powerlessness. He needed to not just leave Rome behind, but after leaving himself a clearly laid out system of power where his presence would be felt even from a distance.
His first order of business was to strengthen ties with key allies. The Rossi family of Calabria was shown special deference. They were given control of some smuggling methods, and funding was provided to expand international agreements in the territories. A new, even better deal was struck with Salvatore, who controlled the port, guaranteeing them a share of all of Contarello's lucrative operations. It wasn't just a gesture of goodwill, a strategic move, purposefully tying them together by the blood ties of economic development.
Son Jae realizes that long-term stability is impossible without refining the ranks. The operation to eliminate the danger of traitors and enemies that had begun a week earlier had reached its climax. Absolute terror reigned in Rome. Whole, crumbling families of an empire that had once seemed unshakable were missing. It was brutal, but necessary. Power, like a bird of prey, does not tolerate competition in its nest.
The crowning phase of Italian rule was a meeting with the highest representatives of the mafia groups and the administration of the government. It was not just a meeting, a coronation, a demonstration of power and absolute authority.
The hall of the Contarello Palace, lit by hundreds of candles, seemed like a temple. At the longest table sat the heads of Italy's powerful Mafia families, as well as high-ranking officials bought or intimidated by Sun Jae. Their eyes read fear and respect. They recognized his power, they bowed to him, they were ready to serve him forever.
Son Jae entered the hall like an emperor receiving honors from his subjects. His gaze was cold and piercing, his voice firm and confident.
"I'm leaving for Korea," he announced. - "But that doesn't mean I'm leaving you. I'm representing Marco and Kima here. They will be my eyes and minds. They will see to it that my orders are obeyed without question. Any disobedience will be punishable by death."
There was dead silence in the hall.
"I want you to be the same," Sung-Jae asserted. - "My power has no limits. I can get you anywhere, anytime. So don't try to trick me. Don't try to play my games. Just follow my orders. And then everything will be fine.
After saying those words, the faction heads and officials took turns walking up to Sun Jae, kissing his hand and swearing their eternal loyalty. It was a moment of triumph, a moment of absolute power. Choi Sun Jae had become the uncrowned king of Italy.
When the ceremonial part was over, Sun Jae received a message from Korea. His face suddenly changed. The eyes that had previously radiated confidence were filled with anticipation.
"James Lee," he whispered. - "He defeated all the First Generation Kings... Korea is turning into chaos."
The message announced that James Lee had defeated all the First Generation Kings, thus destroying the old order and opening the way for a new power. On the streets of investigation, gang wars broke out, and old monsters became active, hungry for blood and power.
It was clear to Sung-Jae that the time had come. Korea was calling him, beckoning him with chaos and left to take his place at the top.
The last night in Italy was devoted to bidding farewell to Don Contarello. The old Don was waiting for him in his study, immersed in semi-darkness.
"I knew you would go," repeated the Don, without raising his head. - "I felt it from the beginning. Korea is calling you, your blood is pulling you here."
"I have to go back," Sung-jae replied. - "That's where my destiny is."
"I understand," Dong said. - "And I won't hold you back. But before you go, I want to say a few words to you.
He raised his penetrating gaze to Sung-Jae.
'You have become more than just a grandson to me,' Dong muttered. - "You've become my heir, my hope. You brought our family back to its former glory, you proved to the world that Contarello is a force to be reckoned with."
He was silent for a moment.
"But remember, Sung-Jae," Don continued. - "Power is not an end in itself. Power is a responsibility. Use it wisely, use it to protect those who are weak and defenseless. Don't let power blind you. Stay true to your principles."
Don stood up and walked over to an ancient chest that stood in the study. He opened it and pulled out several items.
- 'I want you to take this with you,' Don repeated, holding out a heavy gold ring with the Contarello family crest to Son Jae. - "This is the symbol of our family, the symbol of our power. Wear it with pride and dignity."
He then pulled an antique sword from a chest, an open-air sword.
"This is your father's sword," Don said. - "He went through many battles with it; it brought him victory. May it guard you on your journey.'
Finally, Don pulled out a small leather case.
''And this... this is a gift from me personally,'' Don said with a smile.
Sun Jae opened the case and saw a skillfully crafted dagger there, a blade that was forged from Damascus steel.
"This dagger will always remind you that even in the darkest place, you can find beauty," Dong said.
Son Jae accepted the gifts, bowing his head in gratitude.
"Thank you, Grandfather," he pronounced. - "I will never forget your words and gifts."
"I remember," Don said. - "You can always come back here. Rome will always be waiting for you.
Just before he left, Sun Jae visited Falcon. The latter was waiting for him at the abandoned monastery where they had spent the last six months.
"I know you're courting," Falcon repeated without turning around.
"Yes," replied Sung-jae. - "I have Korey waiting for me."
Falcon turned toward him. His eyes read sadness.
"I have helped you a lot," Falcon repeated. - "But the most important thing you must learn is the most important speech."
He held out a small package to Sun Jae.
"This is my gift to you," Falcon said. - "Open it when you're ready."
Sung-Jae took the roll-up. It was light and seemed empty.
"What is it?" - He asked.
"You'll find out," Falcon replied. - "Just trust me."
They said goodbye, and Sun Jae walked out of the monastery, leaving Falcon alone in silence.
At the airport, Sung-Jae opened a gift from Sokola. Inside lay a small stone, polished to a shine. It was an ordinary stone, but it felt like some special energy.
Sung Jae looked at the stone and smiled. He realized that Falcon wanted to teach him to see the beauty in simple things, to find strength in himself.
He put the stone in his pocket and boarded the plane, heading for Korea. War, chaos, and power struggles awaited him. But he was ready. He had been through fire and water, he had learned to control his destiny.
He held his father's sword, the Contarello family ring, and a gift from Sokola. He was ready for what lay ahead. New enemies, new allies, a new battle for survival. The main thing was to be saved for all of them, and he managed to stay strong through it all. But he was sure of one thing, he would make it back to the top, no matter what it took. He gave that to himself and all his ancestors.