Chapter 3: Awakening Of The Beast

The intensity of the fight surged as Michael, now fully awakened by the power of his Hanma blood, charged at Gapryong with a fierce determination. 

The air crackled with energy as he closed the distance between them, launching a barrage of strikes fueled by newfound strength. Gapryong, initially taken aback by the sudden shift in Michael's intensity, swiftly adapted, countering with practised precision.

The two fighters danced around each other, exchanging blows that echoed in the dimly lit street. Michael's agility and ferocity were impressive, but Gapryong's experience and raw power were unmatched. 

As the battle escalated, Gapryong's calm demeanour gave way to a more serious focus, realising that he would have to unleash his full strength to subdue this rising threat.

In a split second, Gapryong decided it was time to end the bout. He summoned the strength that had earned him the title of the undisputed strongest in the underworld, coiling his muscles as he delivered a devastating punch aimed squarely at Michael.

The impact sent Michael hurtling through a wall, the force of the blow rendering him fully unconscious this time.

As the dust settled, Gapryong looked down at himself and noticed a deep scratch mark on his chest, a testament to Michael's potential. He turned to the twins, who were wide-eyed and speechless. "Pick up your friend," he ordered, nodding toward Michael's crumpled form.

As Baekho approached, Gapryong continued, "Baekho, this kid has the same copy ability as Jinyoung. 

He nearly mimicked one of my moves, but he lacked the strength to execute it fully. Yet after I hit him, he awakened and displayed strength that nearly matched mine. If he trains properly, honing that power along with his skills, he could rival or even surpass me in the near future."

Baekho stood gobsmacked, struggling to process the revelation. "Does he have that much potential, boss?"

Gapryong's gaze turned contemplative. "He injured me, and he doesn't look a day over eighteen. There's definitely a scary youngster in this first generation."

With that, the two men climbed into their car, the engine roaring to life as they drove away, leaving behind the remnants of an unforgettable battle and a rising star in the underworld.

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A few minutes later, Michael slowly regained consciousness, his head spinning as he tried to piece together the events. Blinking against the dim light, he glanced at the twins, who were hovering nearby with concerned expressions.

"What happened?" he croaked, his voice hoarse.

Leo stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Boss, you charged at that guy like a mindless beast. It didn't even look like you."

Michael frowned, his brow furrowing as he contemplated Leo's words. It seems the Hanma blood took over when it sensed the danger, he thought, struggling to piece together the chaotic memories of the fight. 

His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the overwhelming power that had surged through him, grappling with the implications of such an uncontrollable force.

"It's because of my blood," he continued, his voice steadying as he spoke. "My body is naturally stronger than most humans, but right now, I can't control that power. It feels like a raging storm inside me."

He clenched his fists, determination flooding his expression. "But once I learn to harness it, that will be the day I become the strongest."

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"Leo, Noah," Michael said, his voice steady with newfound determination, "now that you've witnessed the capabilities of those at the top, it's clear we need more training. We also need to recruit more subordinates to protect our future businesses and build our empire."

"Yes, boss, we'll find more people and become much stronger than we are now," Leo responded, his calm demeanor slightly tinged with excitement.

"Then let's commence our conquest for wealth and power," Michael proclaimed, determination radiating from him.