Chapter 20: The Syndicate Strikes Back

Jihan barely had time to breathe.

After taking down Kang Hojun, he knew retaliation was inevitable. The Syndicate wasn't just going to let him walk away after challenging their authority.

And he was right.

His phone vibrated.

Hacker: "They're moving."

Jihan's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

Hacker: "The next enforcer. His name is Han Gido. They call him 'The Executioner.'"

A file appeared on Jihan's screen.

Name: Han Gido

Alias: The Executioner

Role: Shadow Syndicate's Punisher

Specialty: Precision assassinations and brutal efficiency.

Jihan exhaled. This wasn't just another brute. This was a killer.

And he was coming for him.

The Ambush

Jihan left school late that night, his senses sharp. The city streets were eerily quiet.

Then—

A whistle.

Jihan barely twisted in time as a steel bat swung past his head, missing by inches.

A second attacker lunged from the shadows. Jihan sidestepped, countering with a quick elbow strike to the ribs.

The thug grunted, staggering back.

But Jihan wasn't fooled. They were just distractions.

The real threat was still out there.

A slow clap echoed from the alleyway.

Han Gido stepped forward, his face unreadable. He was tall, lean, and his movements were calculated.

Jihan recognized it instantly—a professional.

"You've been making a lot of noise," Gido said, rolling his wrists. "The higher-ups don't like that."

Jihan wiped blood from his lip. "So, they sent a dog to bite me?"

Gido chuckled. "No, they sent a butcher to cut you apart."

Then he attacked.

A Battle of Precision

Gido was unlike anyone Jihan had faced before.

Every move was measured. Precise. Deadly.

Jihan barely dodged the first strike—a straight jab aimed at his throat.

Gido immediately followed up with a brutal knee to the ribs. Jihan blocked it—but felt the impact rattle his entire body.

Gido didn't let up. His attacks were relentless, giving Jihan no time to counter.

Jihan gritted his teeth. If I fight him normally, I lose.

He had to disrupt his rhythm.

Jihan faked a stumble.

Gido smirked, moving in for the kill—

That's when Jihan struck.

A feint—into a devastating headbutt.

Gido reeled back, dazed for a second.

Jihan took the chance, delivering a rapid series of blows—gut punch, elbow to the jaw, and a final roundhouse kick to the temple.

Gido staggered, spitting blood.

But he was still standing.

He wiped his mouth, eyes gleaming. "Not bad."

Jihan exhaled. This wasn't over yet.

The Final Move

Gido changed his stance. Faster. Sharper.

Jihan barely had time to react before Gido's fist slammed into his chest, knocking him back.

Jihan coughed, vision blurring for a second. He's adapting.

Then—

A system alert appeared.

Emergency Skill Activation: Predator Instinct

Effect: Enhances reflexes and movement speed against stronger opponents.

Jihan's body responded instantly. His muscles felt lighter. His mind clearer.

Gido threw another punch.

Jihan saw everything. The angle, the speed, the weakness.

He ducked, countering with a brutal palm strike to Gido's solar plexus.

Gido choked, his breath stolen.

Jihan capitalized—grabbing his arm and twisting it into a joint lock before slamming him face-first into the pavement.

Gido groaned, struggling to move.

Jihan knelt beside him. "Tell your bosses," he whispered. "I don't fear them."

Then he knocked Gido out with a final strike.

The Next Step

As Jihan walked away, his phone buzzed again.

Hacker: "You're making too many enemies."

Jihan smirked. "Good."

The system flashed a final message.

New Mission: Target Identified.

Objective: Find 'The Broker.'

Jihan's eyes narrowed. It was time to go after the one pulling the strings.