Chapter 9

The information led me to an abandoned building, a known hideout for the Abbys. As I approached, I could hear the loud roar of a motorcycle engine and the deep rumble of a car idling inside. A sudden burst of laughter echoed through the space, mocking and careless.

I clenched my fists, stretching my body to prepare for what was about to come. My knuckles cracked as I flexed my fingers. There was no hesitation in my steps as I entered the building. Just past the entrance, two men stood guard, their eyes narrowing as they noticed me.

"You're new here. I've never seen your face before—"

Before he could finish his sentence, I struck him in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. He gasped, his body crumbling to the floor. I didn't have time for explanations. I wasn't here to talk. Tonight, I was going to make history in this gang.

All of them—every last one of the Abbys, including their so-called boss—would feel my wrath. They made the mistake of involving my family, and now they were going to suffer for it.

Compared to my past work as an assassin, hand-to-hand combat was my specialty. These thugs were lucky to get a taste of my fists. For years, I had relied on weapons, but tonight, my bare hands would do the talking.

The fight erupted like a storm. They came at me in groups, but it made no difference. Every punch, every strike, was precise and devastating. Bones cracked beneath my blows, bodies collapsed one after another. I felt no exhaustion—only the burning rage driving me forward.

Their leader, the so-called top dog, realized his men were falling too fast. His face twisted in fear as he turned to run. A coward, just like I expected. But no one escapes me—not after what they did. I lunged forward, catching him before he reached the exit, and with one swift punch to the jaw, he collapsed.

By the time I left, the warehouse was littered with unconscious bodies. Blood stained the floor, and on the wall, written in dripping red letters, was my message: This is your warning.

I walked away without a second glance, my rage still simmering. The fight wasn't over. If they didn't learn from this, I would teach them an even harsher lesson.

At the hospital, Yuan's eyes widened in shock as I stepped inside. He looked me over, scanning for injuries. "What happened?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I ignored his question and walked past him, my eyes locking onto Lory's unconscious form on the hospital bed. My fists clenched again, but this time, not in anger—just silent resolve. I sank onto the sofa beside her, the weight of the night pressing down on me.

"I took care of it," I finally said. "That was my warning. If they don't learn, I'll make sure they do."

Yuan's face turned pale. "I know you're strong, but listen to me. The top dogs from your school won't just let this go. They'll come after you."

I met his gaze with a cold stare. "So what? Am I supposed to be scared?"

He hesitated before shaking his head. "It's not just about you! The Abbys have connections. If they find out you're the one who attacked them, do you think our lives will be peaceful? You can protect yourself, but what about us? What about Lory?"

He had a point. That much I had already considered. I had spent years perfecting my skills, but the people I cared about were vulnerable. If they wanted to come after me, they would use the ones I loved as leverage.

I exhaled sharply, my mind already forming a plan. "Then I'll train you and Lory."

Yuan's mouth fell open slightly. He was shocked, but deep down, I could see something else in his eyes—hope.

"You… you mean that?"

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't." I leaned forward, my voice unwavering. "If we're going to survive this, you both need to learn how to fight. I won't always be around to protect you. The next time they come, I want them to regret ever thinking we were weak."

Yuan swallowed hard before nodding. "Alright. If this is the only way, then let's do it."

I looked at Lory, still unconscious but breathing steadily. Soon, she would wake up. And when she did, she would find herself stronger than before.

Because this war was just beginning.