Lookism: Seoul Underground Chronicles: Shadow of the White Ashes

Choi Seong-jae's office, where panoramic windows overlooked Seoul at night, was a multifaceted atmosphere. He sat at a desk littered with documents, reviewing reports on the Brotherhood's international relations. Kim and Marco were by his side as always, ready to answer any question and carry out any order.

Choi Seong-Jae leaned back in his chair, looked up and glanced at Kim.

"The Italians," he repeated. - "Where are we with Moretti?"

Kim replied, "Relations have been strained since the harbor incident. They're hungry for space, but hesitant to act yet. There are too many tasks on the cards.

Marco grinned: "Luca Moretti is a boy who overestimated his strength. But his uncle, Domenico, will not act rashly. He is too old and smart to get involved in open warfare."

Choi Sung-jae happened, "Moretti's are weapons and drugs. They're useful, but they can't be trusted. What about Contarello?

Marco grimaced, "It's complicated with Contarello. You know about your past, Sung-Jae. And they want you back in the family. Dong Contarello considers you his son.

Choi Sung-jae grinned: "I'm a son to no one. I'm my own master. But Contarello is all about connection and influence. You can deal with them, but you have to be careful. They don't forgive betrayal."

"What in Russian?" - Choi Sung-jae asked, switching to another report. - "Siberian Bear."

Kim replied, "Ivan Volkov is a beast. Strong, tough, but he doesn't know how to run a business. He needs discipline and organization."

Choi Sung-jae: "Very useful for cybercrime. Their hackers are the best in the world. But they can't be trusted with their secrets. They'll sell them to the first highest bidder."

"What about the Mexicans?" - Marco asked. - "Los Diablos."

Choi Seong-Jae frowned, "They're best not to mess with. They're wild, unpredictable, and they don't care by the rules. But they control the drug supply. You have to deal with them through intermediaries."

"Europeans?" - Kim asks.

Choi Seong-Jae followed: "Albanians are human traffickers. Serbs are smugglers and murderers. You can deal with them, but you have to be prepared for deception and betrayal."

He moved on to the next report: "The Chinese. Red Dragon."

"Li Wei is a cunning fox," Marco said. - "Smart, calculating, but overly cautious. He doesn't like to take risks.

Choi Seong-Jae happened, "Very useful in gambling and prostitution. But they can't be trusted with their money. They love their culture and traditions too much."

"And the latter," Kim repeated. - "The Japanese. Yamaguchi-gumi."

Choi Sung-jae smiled: "Kenji Tanaka is a samurai. He's loyal to the code of honor, but he's too stubborn and doesn't know how to adapt to new conditions."

"He's useful in real estate and entertainment," Mark added. - "But they can't be trusted with their territory. They're too fond of their traditions and their clan."

Choi Sung-jae clicked his pen and looked at his subordinates.

"The world is a chessboard," he pronounced. - "And each of these people is a pawn, a knight, a bishop, a queen, or a king. You have to know their strengths and weaknesses to use them to your advantage."

Kim and Marco nodded. They realized that Choi Seong-jae was playing a complex game where power over Seoul was at stake, and where international ties were only one tool to achieve his goal.

Choi Sung-jae stood up from the table and walked to the window.

"I will rule this city," he pronounced. - "And no one will be able to stop me."