Chapter 36: Invading Ansan (1)

Part 1: A Tempting Offer

Kuroi, Kim Daeho's imposing bodyguard, stood in Solomon's path, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

"Think carefully, Solomon," Kuroi warned. "Conquering Ansan makes you king, but it also alters the power dynamics. Taejuk currently pays a hefty sum to Kim Daeho. If you take over, that amount will be renegotiated."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Imagine, Solomon, the combined wealth of Gangbuk and Ansan flowing to Daeho. It could be a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Solomon, unfazed by Kuroi's proposition, met his gaze head-on. His face remained a mask of impassivity, betraying none of his inner thoughts.

Part 2: A Collision Course

"I'm not interested in thrones or riches," Solomon replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "I'm here for Minho, and nothing will stand in my way."

With a swift movement, Solomon bypassed Kuroi and mounted his motorcycle. The engine roared to life, and with a plume of exhaust, he sped towards Ansan, leaving Kuroi a silent challenge.

A smirk played on Kuroi's lips as he watched Solomon disappear into the night. "This will be interesting," he muttered, the glint in his eyes hinting at an ulterior motive.

Part 3: The Return of the Dragon

Meanwhile, news of the escalating conflict reached Kim Daeho himself. He had just returned to Korea from a business trip to China. Lee Jin, his ever-faithful right-hand man, briefed him on the situation brewing in Ansan.

"Solomon is headed there," Lee Jin reported, his voice laced with concern. "It seems a clash between him and Taejuk is inevitable."

Kim Daeho, a man of power and cunning, stroked his chin thoughtfully. He saw an opportunity to exploit the conflict to his advantage.

"Intriguing," he mused. "Prepare a helicopter. We'll head to Ansan. But we won't be participating. We'll observe."

Lee Jin bowed his head in acknowledgement. "As you wish, sir."

Part 4: Burdened by Guilt

Back at Taejoon's apartment, a heavy silence hung in the air. Taejoon sat alone, his emotions a tangled mess. The weight of guilt and helplessness pressed down on him. He couldn't shake the image of Minho's face from his mind.

His thoughts drifted back to their childhood, a flood of memories washing over him. He remembered Minho, an orphan who had become part of their family. He recalled their inseparable bond, a promise he had made to protect Minho at all costs.

Shame burned within him. He had failed that promise. He wasn't strong enough to protect his friend, his brother.

Part 5: A Beacon of Hope

Suddenly, the apartment doorbell rang, jarring Taejoon from his self-pity. He wiped his eyes and walked towards the door, a sliver of hope flickering within him.

He opened the door, bracing himself for any news. But the sight that greeted him filled him with a mixture of surprise and relief. Standing there, with a gentle smile gracing his features, was none other than Principal Takamura.

"May I come in, Taejoon?" Principal Takamura asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

Taejoon, his voice choked with emotion, simply nodded. The arrival of the unassuming but surprisingly powerful principal offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.

Chapter 36: End