Chapter 13: End of the War

Michael strode confidently toward Cho Gwigwan's office, fully aware of the tension in the air. Inside, he spotted familiar faces: Tom Lee, Sera, Gwigwan, Seo Hwi-jo, and Tae-hwa, all seemingly caught in the middle of a heated conversation.

Tae-hwa's voice echoed angrily through the room. "Mind your language, adopted? You offend me with your words! I am Master Zu's secret son—"

Before he could finish, Tom Lee cut him off. "What? That's nonsense! I knew Pengguan Hyung better than anyone. Sure, he was a womanizer, but a child out of wedlock? That's impossible. He had a vasectomy after his second child, so biologically, he couldn't have had more kids."

Tae-hwa's face drained of color. He was about to argue, but Gwigwan interjected, his voice calm yet firm. "Tae-hwa, there's something Father never told you. You're not related to him by blood."

A wave of disbelief swept over Tae-hwa, but Gwigwan continued, explaining the truth—that Tae-hwa's biological father had been a monster, someone involved in grotesque human experiments. The realization crushed him. 

Tae-hwa's face twisted as he started laughing uncontrollably, unable to process the fact that not only was his true father a monster, but he had also killed the man who loved him most—Master Zu. In a crazed panic, he lunged at Gwigwan and dragged him toward the window, attempting to jump.

Before anyone could react, Michael moved. His speed was almost inhuman, and within seconds, he had grabbed both Tae-hwa and Gwigwan, throwing them safely back into the room.and within seconds, he had grabbed both Tae-hwa and Gwigwan, throwing them safely back into the room.

Standing over the broken Tae-hwa, Michael's voice was cold and emotionless. "Oi, kid. You already killed the man who treated you as his own son. That's something unforgivable, especially considering how much he loved you. But don't try to kill the one who's going to succeed the empire Master Zu built with his life's work."

Tae-hwa, still on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, was barely able to meet Michael's gaze. Michael knelt down beside him and spoke quietly. "The only way you can atone for what you've done is by supporting the successor. Keep him safe from the enemies after him. That's the only way you'll ever find some kind of redemption, if ever."

Michael turned his gaze toward Tom Lee, who had been watching the entire scene unfold with his signature grin. As he walked past, Michael spoke in a low, almost dismissive tone, "Oi, Gorilla. You take care of the rest. I've fulfilled Master Zu's favor, saved the successor, and saved his other son. I have repaid my debt. I don't owe the old man anything anymore."

Tom Lee grinned even wider, nodding. "No problem. I was gonna handle it anyway."

Without another word, Michael walked out of the room, his mission complete. As he made his way outside, he saw Oliver waiting near the car. The chaos inside the building had drawn the attention of the authorities, and police were already beginning to close down the area.

"Let's go," Michael said curtly. Oliver bowed respectfully and opened the car door for him. Just before getting inside, Michael spotted Goo Kim standing nearby, his glasses broken, blood dripping from his nose. Next to him stood an old man with white hair—Kim Hyo-seung, a subordinate of Tom Lee and Leader of the Blue Dragon Errand Center.

Michael rolled down the window and smirked. "Hope you're stronger next time, Heir of the Korean Sword."

With that, Michael drove away, leaving behind the chaos he had unraveled and the lives he had both shattered and saved.

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Future Preview of Lookism Volume

The atmosphere is thick with tension as Gun Park and James Lee stand face-to-face, the rain pouring down relentlessly. Behind James, Eugene watches silently, while Daniel, Vasco, and Zack Lee stand ready, poised to battle the Workers and their cunning Chairman, Eugene. The standoff is on the verge of erupting when suddenly, the sound of footsteps cuts through the rain.

All eyes turn toward the source of the sound. Two men, holding black umbrellas, approach slowly through the downpour. The rhythm of their footsteps is deliberate, and with each step, the tension grows heavier. As they come closer, James Lee's usually unflinching expression falters slightly, his eyes narrowing in recognition. His voice, calm but laden with surprise, breaks the silence.

"What's a guy like you doing here, Michael Kang?"

At the mention of the name, Gun Park's excitement flares like a wildfire, a wicked grin spreading across his face. The pressure shifts, and even Gun—who rarely acknowledges anyone's presence—feels the weight of the two men, especially the one at the front.

"So, you're the King of Seoul, Michael Kang," Gun says, his voice low and filled with a dangerous thrill.

Michael's sharp eyes scan the scene, pausing briefly on Jake Kim before turning to meet James Lee's gaze. Without a hint of emotion, he casually takes out a cigarette, lighting it as the rain hisses around him. A cloud of smoke escapes his lips as he speaks, his voice calm but resolute.

"I owed Gapryong Kim a favor," Michael says, his eyes locked on Jake Kim. "I'm here to repay that favor."

Beside him, Oliver stands in silence, his presence equally commanding. The arrival of these two men has shifted the balance of power, their mere presence enough to cast a long shadow over the battlefield.