Sometime later…
Jichang arrived with the other kings, and they froze at the sight in front of them. A massive crater scarred the ground, the aftermath of pure destruction. All around, dozens of yakuza lay unconscious, their bodies scattered like trash bags tossed aside.
"It seems whoever did this is strong…" said Taesoo Ma, scanning the area.
Jichang's eyes locked on a motorcycle parked near the crater. His gut tightened—he knew exactly who it belonged to.
"He's already here…" Jichang muttered.
Before the others could press him, a mob of yakuza burst out from the shrine, sprinting frantically. Their faces were twisted with panic.
Gongseop grabbed one and slammed him against the wall. "What are you running from?"
"A monster… a monsterrrr!!!" the thug cried, shaking violently. "He tossed people like sticks—with one hand! RUN while you still can!!"
The thug bolted the second Gongseop let go.
"A monster, huh…" Jangyeon Na smirked, almost amused.
"It seems our friend has already arrived—and shown why he's a King," Jichang said firmly. The kings shared a look and walked toward the shrine together.
Meanwhile…
James Lee, having reached his 3rd Threshold, was trading brutal blows with Seongji Yuk. Their fists collided with sickening thuds, each impact heavy enough to rattle the shrine's wooden pillars. Seongji's speed was monstrous, his movements sharp and efficient, every punch carrying the intent to end the fight.
James countered each strike, his sharp eyes locked in. Both men were bleeding, neither backing down. The fight wasn't flashy—it was raw, violent, and efficient.
But before Seongji could finish James with a one blow, the shrine doors behind him exploded open.
The Shaman snapped his head around, only to see Beoulgu and the other two tossed like rag dolls onto the dirt. Their bodies were broken, unconscious.
And then, stepping through the smoke with calm, deliberate steps—was Do Kang. His eyes carried nothing supernatural, only a cold, predatory sharpness. His grin was feral, like a wolf smelling blood.
The Shaman froze, his chest tightening. He knew that face.
"Long time no see, old man," Do Kang said, voice low and cutting. "I hope you didn't miss me… because today's your last day."
James Lee tensed instantly. He knew exactly who he was—the King of Ulsan, the man Charles himself had labeled a threat.
"Don't worry, Seongji," Do Kang said without looking at him. "The kids are safe. Keep fighting. I'll take care of this shitty old man."
Seongji gave the faintest smirk. "Fine by me." He turned back to James, and their clash continued—raw fists and feet, no wasted movements, every strike threatening to break bones.
Meanwhile, the Kojima brothers—bruised, bleeding, but still conscious—launched themselves at Do Kang to protect the Shaman. One's fist crashed into Do Kang's jaw. His head snapped slightly to the side… but he didn't even flinch.
Slowly, he turned his eyes back toward them. His grin widened.
"You think you're a threat? You're not even a warm-up."
The brothers roared in anger and launched into their Kido Barrage—a perfectly synced combination of punches, elbows, and low kicks. Each strike was clean, efficient, hitting with surgical precision. Their teamwork cracked the ground beneath Do Kang, their speed a blur.
The shrine floor shattered, dust flying everywhere as they hammered him relentlessly.
Finally, they stopped, panting, confident they had crushed him.
But Do Kang stood in the smoke, brushing the dust off his shoulders. His lip curled into a smirk.
"No wonder people called you threats once… but now? You're nothing. A shadow of what you used to be."
And then—he copied their Kido Barrage.
Faster. Sharper. Stronger.
His fists slammed into their bodies like hammers. Each punch folded them in half, each kick sent them skidding back before he reeled them in with another blow. Blood sprayed with every impact, their bones groaning under the punishment.
Finally, he grabbed both their wrists in one crushing grip. He's eyes glowing red. With a violent twist, he flung them overhead in a shoulder throw that smashed them into the ground with terrifying force. The earth cracked, debris flying as their bodies cratered deep into the dirt.
They lay broken, barely breathing.
The sound of impact was so violent that even Seongji paused mid-swing. James Lee glanced over, his expression darkening.
Shit… he thought. Seongji isn't the only monster here.
Do Kang crouched slightly and bowed mockingly toward the unconscious Kojimas. "Thanks for the technique."
Then his eyes snapped to the Shaman, who was desperately crawling away. Do Kang grabbed him by the hair and yanked his head back until their eyes met.
His voice was quiet, but the menace in it was suffocating.
"Now tell me, old man… where's the red paper?"