THE STREET KING

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1. Baiting the Monster

Jinwoo stood by the window, the dim glow of Itaewon's neon signs flickering against his face. The city felt different tonight—quieter, heavier.

The Butcher was still out there. And he wasn't going to stop.

Hye-jin sat on the edge of the worn-out couch, sharpening a knife with slow, deliberate strokes. "So, what's the plan?"

Jinwoo exhaled. "We make him come to us."

Dae-hyun, still clutching his injured shoulder, let out a dry laugh. "You're insane."

Jinwoo ignored him. His mind was already moving five steps ahead.

The Butcher had one weakness. His arrogance.

And Jinwoo was going to use that against him.

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2. The Setup

The abandoned docks near Incheon. A place where bodies disappeared, where deals were made in the dead of night.

Jinwoo had chosen it for one reason—no escape.

He and Hye-jin worked quickly, setting up explosives along the perimeter. Not enough to destroy the entire dock, but enough to box the Butcher in.

Hye-jin wiped sweat from her brow. "You really think this will work?"

Jinwoo checked his gun. "It has to."

Dae-hyun, leaning against a rusted shipping container, shook his head. "I still say we run."

Jinwoo met his gaze. "Running doesn't stop him. This does."

Dae-hyun sighed. "Then let's hope you're as good as you think you are."

Jinwoo didn't reply.

Because deep down, he wasn't sure either.

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3. The Butcher Arrives

Midnight.

The sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed across the dock.

Then the voice.

"I knew you'd make this interesting."

Jinwoo gripped his gun tighter.

The Butcher stepped into the dim light, his machete gleaming under the moon. Behind him, a dozen mercenaries spread out, weapons at the ready.

Hye-jin whispered, "Too many."

Jinwoo's voice was steady. "We don't need to kill them all. Just him."

The Butcher smirked. "You think you've won?"

Jinwoo's finger hovered over the detonator. "I think you talk too much."

Then he pressed the button.

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4. Fire and Blood

The explosion ripped through the docks. A fireball erupted behind the Butcher's men, cutting off their escape.

Jinwoo moved first.

Gunfire. Screams. Shadows flickering in the firelight.

Hye-jin took down two mercenaries in quick succession, her knife flashing in the dark.

Jinwoo focused on one thing—the Butcher.

The two men clashed, the machete slicing inches from Jinwoo's face. He dodged, firing point-blank. The bullet grazed the Butcher's shoulder, but he didn't slow down.

Jinwoo barely had time to react before a fist slammed into his ribs, sending him sprawling.

The Butcher loomed over him. "This is where you die."

Jinwoo spat blood. "Not tonight."

Then Hye-jin shot him in the leg.

The Butcher staggered.

Jinwoo took his chance.

A single, precise shot to the chest.

The Butcher fell.

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then the mercenaries scattered.

Hye-jin exhaled. "Is it over?"

Jinwoo stared at the motionless body.

He wasn't sure.

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5. The Aftermath

The safehouse felt different now.

Jinwoo poured himself a drink, his hands still shaking. Hye-jin sat across from him, silent.

Dae-hyun leaned against the wall. "So, what now?"

Jinwoo didn't answer.

Because deep down, he knew the truth.

The Butcher might be dead.

But the war was just beginning.

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End of Chapter 55

(Next Chapter: A New Enemy Rises.)