From Murim to Metropolis

Zenith Group is a powerful conglomerate, ranking among the top three in the nation, with dominance in technology, finance, and defense. Despite its prestigious image, whispers of underground dealings surround its name. Feared and respected, its leader is known for ruthless intelligence and absolute control. Now, for reasons unknown, they've set their sights on Jin Wook.

Zenith Group – Top Floor

As soon as Jin Wook steps onto the top floor of Zenith Building, his sharp instincts immediately pick up on the bloodlust lingering in the air. His eyes narrow slightly.

Jin Wook (thinking): Fifteen… no, sixteen. Hiding behind the walls, waiting to ambush me. How predictable.

A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. Did they really think they could take me by surprise? The air grows heavier as Jin Wook takes another step forward, his presence alone sending an invisible pressure rippling through the floor.

The silence before the storm.

Jin Wook: "Come out." His voice is calm, almost bored. "Or do you need an invitation?"

The men in black remain frozen for a moment—hesitant. Something about him feels... wrong. This isn't the reaction of a man walking into a trap. This is the reaction of a predator stepping into a den of prey.

widen as he watches the screen, his grip tightening on the tablet in his hands.

Richer (shocked): "How… How can he sense them so accurately? And not just that— they're elite mercenaries! who are good at hiding there presence."

He turns toward the elegant yet imposing woman seated behind the desk. The boss, Selene Zenith, simply sips her wine, her crimson lips curling into a smirk.

Selene: "Interesting, isn't it? A normal man would've been trembling by now… but he's standing there like he owns the place."

Richer swallows hard. He knew their mercenaries weren't just any hired thugs—these were former assassins, war-hardened veterans, and yet… Jin Wook wasn't fazed in the slightest. If anything, he looked amused.

Richer (muttering): "Boss… what exactly have we invited into our den?"

Selene leans forward, resting her chin on her hand as she watches Jin Wook with growing intrigue.

Selene (smirking): "A monster."

The moment Jin Wook spoke, the air grew tense.

All Hiding people came out in front of Jin Wook 

Man in Black: "Really? Boss called us to deal with this punk?" The group laughs, mocking him.

The group of men continues to taunt Jin Wook, enjoying his suffering. They jeer at him, clearly underestimating his strength.

Man in Black (mocking): "Look at you. You want to meet our boss? You're too little for that! Go home and drink your mother's milk."

Jin Wook (bored expression): "Are you done? Why don't you guys come at me? Or should I come to you instead?"

As soon as the words left his mouth—BOOM!

The distance between Jin Wook and the mercenary group vanished in the blink of an eye.

The mercenaries, who had been laughing moments ago, barely had time to register the movement. The closest one felt a sudden force smash into his gut—his body lifted off the ground before he crashed into the wall behind him, unconscious.

Mercenary #1 (gasping): "W-What just—?!"

Before he could finish, Jin Wook disappeared from his spot. A sharp crack echoed as another mercenary's arm twisted in the wrong direction, followed by a swift kick that sent him flying into three of his comrades.

The remaining mercenaries, now realizing they weren't dealing with a mere 'punk,' instinctively tried to regroup. But Jin Wook was already among them—like a ghost, like a storm.

Mercenary #2 (panicked): "What the hell is this guy?!"

One after another, they dropped, their well-trained bodies failing them against a force they couldn't comprehend. Jin Wook didn't just fight—he dismantled them with the ease of a predator toying with its prey.

Inside the office, Selene Zenith leaned back in her chair, watching the monitor, her smirk growing wider.

Selene (intrigued): "Oh my… Now this is entertainment."

As Jin Wook dusted off his hands, the last of the so-called elite mercenaries groaned on the ground, unconscious or too dazed to move. His expression remained cold, unaffected, as if he had merely swatted away some flies.

A slow clap echoed through the room.

Selena stepped forward, an amused smirk on her lips. "Well, well. Quite the scene you've made, Mr. Jin Wook."

Jin Wook met her gaze with piercing eyes, devoid of amusement.

Selena playfully put a hand on her chest. "Oh my, don't look at me like that. You're scaring me," she teased, though her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "By the way, thanks for not killing any of my men. I do need them, after all."

Jin Wook's voice was ice-cold. "Can we talk about business now?"

Selena chuckled. "Straight to the point. I like that. Follow me."

She turned on her heel, leading him into her office. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and a massive glass window overlooked the city skyline. Selena gestured to a seat as she settled behind her desk.

"Richer, bring us some coffee," she ordered.

Jin Wook sat down, arms crossed, waiting.

Selena leaned back. "So, tell me, what do you know about Zenith Group?"

Jin Wook's expression didn't change. "It's one of the top three business conglomerates in the nation, with strong international influence. That's public knowledge."

Selena let out a small laugh. "That's what the internet tells you. But what it doesn't say is that Zenith isn't just a business empire. It's also a shield—one of the few forces preventing this country from collapsing under outside threats. We operate in the underworld market syndicate, where the real power plays happen."

Jin Wook raised an eyebrow. "And this concerns me how?"

Selena's smile faded. "Because the fate of this country is about to be decided in an underground fighting tournament. Each nation sends a representative, and the stakes are... let's just say they're beyond money. Control over industries, resources, even political influence—it's all on the table.

"For the past two years, X Country has dominated. The result? Our nation is on the brink of losing its independence in every way that matters. If they win again, the economy will be theirs to manipulate, drugs will flood the streets, and Zenith won't be able to stop the attacks that are coming."

Jin Wook's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. "So, what do you want from me?"

Selena leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "I want you to fight for this country. And in doing so, you'll also be protecting your family."

At the mention of his family, Jin Wook's expression darkened. He knew what kind of world he lived in. If X Country's influence spread further, safety would become a luxury no one could afford—not even his loved ones.

Still, he wasn't one to jump into things blindly.

"I'm just a college student," he said, voice laced with sarcasm. "Why make such a bold deal with me?"

Selena smirked. "Oh please. What kind of college student single-handedly crushes an entire gang in under a minute? What kind of 'ordinary' student wipes out an elite mercenary squad like they're toddlers?"

Jin Wook narrowed his eyes. "Are you connected to Dong Ha?"

Selena scoffed. "That guy? I don't even know him. But the people you beat were under my payroll—well, my minion's minions, to be exact. When I heard what you did, I got... interested."

Jin Wook exhaled slowly. "Fine. But I have conditions."

Selena tilted her head. "Let me guess—your father's situation? Already handled. Consider it part of the deal."

Jin Wook's jaw clenched slightly. "That's one thing. But my family must never be involved in any of this. They should never even know."

Selena leaned back with a thoughtful expression. Then, she shrugged. "Deal. But in exchange, you'll need to train. The tournament isn't a playground. You'll be up against the strongest warriors from all over the world. You'll need real experience."

Richer stepped forward, holding out a sleek black card.

Selena gestured toward it. "Take it. Use as much as you need. You're our last hope, after all."

Jin Wook took the card, examining it briefly before slipping it into his pocket.

"I suppose I'll need this in the future," he muttered. "I can't depend on my family forever."

Selena studied him for a moment, then extended her hand. "Apologies for the lack of introductions earlier. I'm Selena Zenith, CEO of Zenith Group. And as the head of this company, I'm officially requesting your help, Mr. Jin Wook."

Jin Wook ignored her hand. "One last thing."

Selena pulled her hand back, intrigued. "Go ahead."

Jin Wook's gaze was unwavering. "How can you be so sure I'll win?"

Selena's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Call it instinct. A gut feeling. But after seeing you in action... I have no doubt."

Jin Wook stood up. "One more question."

Selena raised an eyebrow. "You're full of questions, aren't you?"

Jin Wook's voice dropped to a dangerous tone. "Is it possible to just... erase the entire syndicate instead of playing their game?"

For the first time, Selena let out a genuine laugh. "You're funny."

Jin Wook didn't laugh. He was completely serious.

Selena's laughter faded, and she found herself admiring his resolve.

"…Tomorrow," she said finally. "Richer will take you to the arena. There, you'll fight against every kind of opponent imaginable. That's where your real training begins."

Without another word, Jin Wook turned and left.

Richer watched him disappear down the hall, then looked at Selena. "Miss, are you really sure we can win this time?"

Selena leaned against the window, watching as Jin Wook stepped outside the building below.

"I don't know," she murmured. "But my gut tells me… that person can change everything."

Richer remained silent.

Selena's gaze stayed locked on the young man walking away.

"Let's see what the future holds," she whispered.