From Murim to Metropolis

Richer: "Boss, are you sure we can handle him?" Selena: "Right now? I don't know."

Selena's eyes remained fixed on the screen, watching Jin Wook stand alone in the ring, surrounded by the bodies of criminals he had crushed with merciless precision. His bloodstained clothes, his calm stance—it was a sight that sent chills even down her spine.

She took a slow breath before speaking again.

Selena: "Now do you understand why I stopped you?"

The gang leader—who had once thought himself untouchable—nodded stiffly. He and his men had once sided with Dong Ha, provoking Jin Wook without knowing what kind of monster they had crossed. And now? Dong Ha's forces were wiped out, and his own men were either dead or in the hospital.

Gang Leader: "Yes, boss." (Thinking: "If she hadn't called me back, I'd be dead too.") Selena: "Good. Now listen carefully. Do not cause any more trouble for him. Jin Wook is our greatest piece on this chessboard… and he's the king. A king with absolute power."

The gang leader swallowed hard, his mind flashing back to the terrifying image of Jin Wook snapping a man's neck as if he were breaking a twig.

Gang Leader: "Yes, boss." (Still haunted by the memory.) Inside the Underground Arena

Jin Wook remained standing in the ring, surrounded by absolute silence.

His piercing gaze swept across the crowd.

Jin Wook: "No one else?"

No response.

Not a single soul dared to step forward.

He let out a small breath, turning on his heel and walking toward the exit. The crowd instinctively parted for him, their faces pale. His clothes were soaked in blood—not his own, but the blood of criminals he had erased without hesitation.

Whispers rippled through the audience.

Spectators: "What… what did we just witness today?" "I can still hear Riham's screams in my head…" "That was beyond scary." "I like this 'Criminal Killer' guy. Think he'll come back?"

But none of them could deny one thing—tonight, they had witnessed a monster in human form.

Inside Richer's Car

Jin Wook sat calmly in the back seat, his eyes closed as if he were merely resting. The same couldn't be said for Richer, who gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white.

Sweat trickled down his forehead as the violent images replayed in his mind. He had seen many fighters kill each other in the arena, but this… this was different.

Richer (thinking): "I've witnessed countless deaths, but never… never like that."

After a long silence, Richer hesitated before speaking.

Richer: "Mr. Jin Wook… may I ask something?"

Without opening his eyes, Jin Wook responded.

Jin Wook: "I already know what you want to ask—why did I kill them? But first, let me ask you this… do they deserve to live?"*

Richer swallowed hard before answering.

Richer: "No. They were monsters. They killed innocent people, destroyed families… I can't say they deserved to live."

Jin Wook slowly opened his eyes, looking out the window.

Jin Wook: "Then there's your answer."

Richer stared at him for a moment before nodding.

Richer: "You're… wise."

Jin Wook let out a soft chuckle.

Jin Wook: "I don't know about that… but I do know one thing—I never want to see another person suffer because of men like them." (Pauses, his gaze darkening.) "I know what it feels like to lose someone important."

The car fell into silence once more.

Arriving at the Hotel

As they pulled up to a luxury hotel, Jin Wook opened the door to step out, but Richer quickly stopped him.

Jin Wook: "Why did you stop me?" Richer: (Glancing at Jin Wook's blood-covered clothes.) "I doubt you want people to see you looking like this."

Jin Wook followed his gaze, then let out a quiet sigh.

Jin Wook: "Good point." Richer: "This hotel belongs to us, so don't worry about anything. Get some rest." (Pauses, then adds hesitantly.) "And… one more thing."

Jin Wook looked at him.

Richer: "Please don't mind me saying this, but… you should trust yourself more, Mr. Jin Wook."

For the first time that night, a faint smile touched Jin Wook's lips.

Jin Wook: "Thanks."

Inside the Hotel Room

Jin Wook entered his hotel room, the faint scent of luxury soap and fresh linen filling the air. A hotel worker arrived moments later, carrying neatly folded clothes.

Hotel Worker: "Sir, these are your clothes."

As he glanced up, his eyes widened slightly. Jin Wook stood before him, his entire body splattered with dried blood. But despite his terrifying appearance, his expression remained calm—almost peaceful.

The hotel worker swallowed, his thoughts racing.

Hotel Worker (thinking): "What… what is this kid's background?"

Jin Wook took the clothes and gave a small, warm smile.

Jin Wook: "Thank you."

The worker blinked, momentarily stunned by how different Jin Wook's smile felt compared to his bloodied appearance.

Hotel Worker (thinking): "For someone who just walked in covered in blood… he sure has a bright smile."

He quickly composed himself.

Hotel Worker: "No problem, sir. It's our job to serve."

Jin Wook gave him a small nod before heading toward the bathroom.

After the Shower

Jin Wook stepped out of the hotel, now dressed in fresh clothes. The lingering scent of blood was gone, replaced by the crisp smell of clean fabric. Outside, Richer was waiting for him by the car.

Richer (smirking): "You sure clean up well. Looks like a whole new person."

Jin Wook chuckled lightly and got into the car. As Richer started driving, a question lingered in his mind.

Jin Wook: "So… when will I be fighting again?"

Richer nearly hit the brakes. He turned to Jin Wook, eyes filled with disbelief.

Richer: "Wait… are you seriously calling that a 'fight'?"

Jin Wook hesitated for a moment.

Jin Wook: "Wasn't it?"

Richer sighed and shook his head with a small grin.

Richer: "No, that wasn't a fight. You didn't 'fight'—you just cleaned up trash." (Pauses, then adds with a knowing look.) "And you should be proud of that."

Jin Wook looked out the window, processing Richer's words.

Jin Wook: "Oh… okay?"

He wasn't sure if he should feel proud, but there was something comforting about those words.

Arriving at Jin Wook's House

The car stopped little far from of his home. Jin Wook stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Richer: "Get some rest. You earned it."

Jin Wook nodded before walking toward his house, his footsteps light against the pavement.

Tap. Tap.

As he reached for the door handle, he paused for a brief moment, letting the night air settle around him.

Then, he stepped inside.