chapter 18

After Jin broke me out of Jun-myeon's house, we arrived at what looked like a massive penthouse. It felt like a sanctuary from all the chaos and confusion that had consumed my life. I found myself sitting on a plush couch, staring blankly at the luxury surrounding me, still shaken from the events of the past few days.

As the initial surge of fear subsided, my mind started to unravel the events that led up to this point. Tears flowed uncontrollably, my body ached from the emotional turmoil. I desperately tried to make sense of why Jun-myeon would betray me – why he would kiss me, promise to protect me, and then abandon me when I needed him the most.

"Why would he do this to me?" I sobbed, my voice barely audible. "Why would he leave me alone when I needed him the most?"

Jin, always reliable and compassionate, sat beside me, offering his steady presence and a comforting touch. He understood the pain I was going through, as he had gone through a similar heartbreak recently.

"It's going to be alright, Takeru," Jin reassured me, his voice gentle yet firm. "Jun-myeon made a terrible choice, but that doesn't define your worth or who you are. You deserve so much more than someone who abandons you when you need them."

My anxiety intensified, and a wave of panic washed over me. I felt like I was drowning, tormented by questions and self-doubt. Jin knew that soothing words alone wouldn't be enough – it was time for action.

"Close your eyes, take deep breaths," Jin instructed softly. "Focus on your breath, in and out. Feel the rhythm, let it calm your racing thoughts."

I followed Jin's guidance, my trembling hand moving to my chest, feeling the rise and fall with each controlled breath. Slowly, my heart rate began to steady, and the suffocating grip of anxiety loosened its hold.

once I was calm from my breakdown, my brother Jin knew it was time to confront our father again. I felt a chill run down my spine as memories of our previous encounter flooded my mind. I had watched in horror as our father, a powerful and feared man, coldly shot a man in the head right in front of us. From that moment on, I had been haunted by fear and anxiety whenever our father's name was mentioned.

Reluctantly, I followed Jin through the dimly lit streets, each step increasing the weight of my apprehension. We reached an inconspicuous storefront, guarded by two imposing figures. As the doors swung open, my heart raced, and I wondered how I had let myself be dragged into this situation again. But I knew deep down that in order to face my fears, I had to confront my father.

The room beyond the entrance was smoky, filled with an air of power, and my father sat at a lavish mahogany desk, his stern gaze fixed upon his sons. His eyes held the weight of his authority, and my fear intensified in his presence. Yet, there was also a glimmer of recognition in his eyes, as if he had been expecting my return after all this time.

As if reading my thoughts, my father spoke in a low, commanding voice, "I knew you would come back eventually. You are my blood, my legacy. The time has come for you to step into your rightful place as the heir to my gang."

Kwan suddenly interjected, his voice filled with righteous anger. "Father, Takeru knows nothing of the gang. He was never there to understand the bloodshed and the sacrifices we have made to create this empire."

Our father's face hardened, his eyes narrowing with determination. "He may not know it now, but he will learn. I will mold him into the leader I need him to be. Your objections are futile."

My mind raced, torn between my fear of my father and the unknown future that awaited me. Questions tumbled in my head, doubts and uncertainties rising to the surface. Could I truly become my father's successor, leading a life of violence and darkness? Did I have the strength to go against my father's wishes?

My life had been a series of dark and painful moments. I endured incessant abuse from my cruel uncle, who not only beat me but also subjected me to unspeakable acts. To make matters worse, my long-time crush abandoned me when he became too overwhelmed with my struggles and moved on with another woman.

Faced with such heartbreak, I felt as if there was nothing left for me back home. But fate had other plans in store for me. My terrifying father, the head of the notorious Dura Syndicate, decided to take an interest in me. Surprisingly, he became proud of me for accepting my role as his rightful Heir.

To solidify my new role, my father ordered a few men from the syndicate to take me to get fitted for a proper suit. Jin, my brother and one of the loyal companions from the syndicate, helped excitedly as I tried on various stylish outfits. It was a new beginning for me, a chance to leave behind my painful past and embrace my fate.

Once I was ready, my father called upon the entire syndicate to gather for a grand and extravagant party. It was a night filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of unease. The opulent venue was adorned with elegant decorations, and the air buzzed with a mix of nervousness and celebration.

Supported by Jin's unwavering encouragement, I stood before my father and the assembled syndicate members. The room fell silent as my father announced me as the new heir to the Dura Syndicate. The resounding applause that followed was a validation and confirmation for me - a reimagined life filled with power and influence lay ahead.

As the extravagant party to introduce me as the heir to the Dura Syndicate came to an end, the exhaustion and weight of the evening settled upon me. My mind was in a whirlwind of emotions, and I longed for solitude. Luckily, my younger brother Jin appeared at my side, leading me to the sanctuary of my room.

Jin, always attentive and understanding, guided me through the opulent hallways of our family estate. The grandeur of the surroundings matched the weight of my new responsibilities, but at that moment, all I craved was a moment of respite. When we reached my room, Jin opened the door, and I stepped inside, feeling the weight of the evening lift off my shoulders.

Alone, I finally allowed my mind to drift, surrendering to the thoughts that had been tugging at my heart during the festivities. Thoughts of Jun-Myeon, my former love, flooded my mind, threatening to break my heart all over again. The pain I had kept locked away throughout the evening now surged through me with an intensity that was difficult to bear.

In the midst of my despair, a familiar voice echoed in my head, as if it was coming from somewhere deep within me. It was Turtle, my alter ego, who shared both my strengths and my weaknesses. Turtle had always been the logical and strategic side of my personality, strong and smart. He had helped me navigate life's challenges, and now, he urged me to let him take control.

In that moment of vulnerability and anguish, I gave in. I released my grip on myself and allowed Turtle to guide my actions. It was an unusual experience to relinquish control to a part of myself, but the pain was too much for my fragile heart to bear alone.

Under Turtle's guidance, my body moved with purpose and precision. I could feel his strength and intelligence enhancing every action I took. Thoughts of Jun-Myeon, though still present, began to diminish in power as Turtle's focused mind took over. It was a temporary reprieve, a way for me to bury the pain and find solace in the strength bestowed upon me by my alter ego.

"The longer I allowed Turtle to control, the prouder my father became of me," I thought to myself. Turtle, my alter ego, was a force to be reckoned with. He could kill without blinking an eye, his determination and fear-inducing presence made him a legend amongst the Dura Syndicate. And now, he had ascended to become the leader of the intelligence division.

Every piece of information, every secret, flowed through Turtle, verifying it meticulously four times before it reached Father's ears. Turtle was not only strong and murderous, but he was smart too. He had all the traits needed to thrive in this world of organized crime. But, although he was a part of me, I knew deep down that I alone was not strong enough to navigate the treacherous waters we found ourselves in.

In the heart of the dangerous Dura Syndicate, I was known as the unstoppable force, swift and powerful. But it wasn't through my strength alone that I commanded such respect. It was because of Turtle, my alter ego—the hidden warrior who dwelled within me, granting me abilities beyond comprehension.

With Turtle by my side, I became stronger than all the men in the syndicate combined. I could effortlessly combat fifteen adversaries and emerge victorious, without even a scratch on my skin. My father, a respected figure in the underworld, couldn't help but feel pride swell within him as he beheld his son's unfathomable prowess.

No one else knew of Turtle's existence, for we shared a body and a singular purpose—to protect and conquer. The secrecy served us well as we navigated the treacherous terrain of the syndicate, swiftly defeating any foe who dared stand in our way. I was relentless, a relentless force feared by my enemies and revered by my allies.

However, one day, my father beckoned me, his eyes filled with a mysterious excitement. He had something important to tell me about a meeting, but he left me in suspense, refusing to reveal the identity of the person he wanted me to meet. My curiosity piqued, I followed him obediently, determined to discover the purpose behind this clandestine gathering.