The neon glow of Gangnam's Night District flickered like a warning beacon, bathing the cracked sidewalks in sickly green and red. Jihoon stood in the shadows, hoodie pulled low, eyes sharp like a predator's. The system buzzed in his palm, a new mission flashing:
Mission: Collect ₩1,000,000 from Gang Leader "Blood Fang"
Time Limit: 2 hours
Risk: High — refusal or failure = -₩1,000,000, possible physical harm
Status: Locked Weapon: Steel Pipe (₩200,000 required)
Jihoon swallowed hard. The system wasn't messing around anymore. This was the real street game — no rented Lambos, no flashy flexes. Just cold cash and colder steel.
He pocketed his phone and slipped through the crowded alleyways, the hum of bass-heavy music and shouted deals thick in the air. His flex gear gleamed under the streetlights — black techwear jacket, diamond chain swinging like a promise of power. But inside, his heart hammered.
This was a test. Not just of skill, but of will.
At the corner, two thugs blocked his path. Their eyes were hard, knives glinting in their fists. One stepped forward.
"Blood Fang said you're late," he snarled. "You got the money or you're dead."
Jihoon's fingers twitched near his jacket — his cash was safe, but his hands weren't empty anymore. The system's market had given him an option: a steel pipe, crude but lethal.
He didn't answer. He swung the pipe with brutal force, cracking the thug's jaw. The second lunged — Jihoon ducked, countered with a quickstep rush combo, and knocked him cold.
The fight was raw, gritty — no cinematic flair, just pure street brawl. Pain bit his knuckles, but adrenaline screamed louder.
Blood Fang's territory wasn't just about muscle. It was politics, fear, and respect wrapped in violence. Jihoon knew this fight was only the prologue.
He made his way to the club where Blood Fang held court — a smoke-filled den of whispered threats and half-truths. The leader was a mountain of muscle, scars crisscrossing his face like a map of violence.
"Jihoon," Blood Fang growled, eyes like burning coals. "You wanna play in my streets? Prove you're worth more than some punk with a system app."
The system pinged:
Mission Update: Survive Blood Fang's test fight
Reward: ₩2,500,000
Penalty: Balance reset to ₩0 + Injury status if failed
Jihoon swallowed the lump in his throat. The stakes just doubled.
The fight started brutal. Blood Fang's fists were like wrecking balls — each hit a message. Jihoon dodged, blocked, and countered where he could, but the heavy hits landed. Blood stung his lip, a sharp pain blossomed in his ribs.
System alert:
Injury Acquired: Rib Contusion
Combat Efficiency: -15%
Jihoon gritted his teeth. No quitting. No backing down. He dug deep, pulling every combo unlocked: Quickstep Rush, Aggressive Aura — his movements blurred with adrenaline.
With one last burst, Jihoon landed a powerful hook to Blood Fang's jaw, staggering the giant. The room gasped. Blood Fang smirked, wiping blood from his mouth.
"You're tougher than I thought," he said. "Keep your money. You earned respect today."
Back outside, Jihoon's phone buzzed:
✅ Mission Complete
💵 ₩3,500,000 Added
🧬 Injury Status Active: Manage carefully
🎯 New Mission Unlocked: "Secure Your Turf"
But the system warned:
⚠️ "Enemies are watching. Failure will be costly. Spend wisely."
Jihoon leaned against a wall, pain sharp in his ribs but pride sharper. This was the grind — raw, ruthless, and real. No more easy money. No more rented Lambos.
Later, Jihoon hit the market:
Med Kit — ₩150,000
Weapon Upgrade: Brass Knuckles — ₩500,000
Backup Hire: Street Enforcer — ₩600,000
Armor Vest — ₩700,000
He weighed his options. The rib injury would slow him if untreated, but cash was tight.
Before he could decide, a message popped up from an unknown number:
"You're making noise, kid. Careful or Blood Fang's crew won't be the only ones coming for you."
Jihoon's eyes narrowed. The street was getting darker — and the game was far from over.
End of Chapter 2