The days after Jinwoo's confrontation with Mr. Lee blurred into a whirlwind of relentless training. Mira's drills became more punishing, Mr. Lee's lessons colder and more strategic. Despite his doubts and the weight of his past pressing on him, Jinwoo pushed forward, determined to master every skill.
But the question of his father's legacy lingered, casting a shadow over his progress. Was he destined to follow in his father's footsteps, or was he merely being shaped into a weapon for Mr. Lee's purposes?
It wasn't long before Jinwoo was summoned to the mansion's briefing room. He hadn't been there before, and the sheer sophistication of the space startled him. Large screens lined the walls, each displaying detailed maps and profiles. A sleek conference table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs.
Mr. Lee and Mira stood waiting, their expressions serious.
"Jinwoo," Mr. Lee began, his tone clipped, "it's time for your first mission."
Jinwoo's stomach tightened, but he forced himself to stand tall. "What's the mission?"
Mira stepped forward, holding a tablet. She tapped it, and the screens illuminated with an image of a man. It was Choi Minho, the corrupt businessman Jinwoo had been shown weeks ago.
"Choi has become a liability," Mira explained. "He's selling information to rival syndicates. If he's allowed to continue, it will compromise everything we've worked for."
Mr. Lee's gaze bore into Jinwoo. "This is a test. Your objective is to gather information on Choi's movements. Learn his routines, his weaknesses. But do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Do you understand?"
Jinwoo nodded, his heart pounding. This wasn't just another training exercise. This was real.
"Good," Mr. Lee said. "Mira will assist you remotely, but this mission is yours to lead. Prove you're ready for this world."
The Hunt Begins
That evening, Jinwoo found himself dressed in plain clothes, his nerves taut as he stepped into the bustling city streets. A small earpiece connected him to Mira, who monitored the mission from the mansion.
"Stay calm," Mira's voice crackled in his ear. "Choi's last known location was a private club downtown. Start there."
The city felt alive around Jinwoo, its energy both invigorating and overwhelming. He blended into the crowd, his senses heightened as he approached the club. It was an upscale establishment, with a red velvet rope and a pair of burly guards at the entrance.
"You're not getting in looking like that," Mira remarked dryly. "Find another way."
Jinwoo scanned the perimeter, spotting a service entrance at the rear. He slipped into the alley and waited for the right moment. When a delivery truck arrived, he timed his move perfectly, sneaking in behind the distracted driver.
Inside, the club was a maze of dimly lit hallways and thudding bass. Jinwoo moved cautiously, his eyes darting between patrons and staff. Mira guided him through the layout, her voice a steady presence in his ear.
"Choi should be in the VIP lounge," she said. "Second floor, east wing. Keep your distance and observe."
Jinwoo ascended the stairs, his heart hammering. When he reached the lounge, he positioned himself near a corner, partially hidden by a potted plant. From his vantage point, he spotted Choi sitting at a table with several other men, his expression smug as he gestured animatedly.
Jinwoo watched closely, taking mental notes of every detail—the way Choi tapped his glass when he was bored, the subtle exchange of a small flash drive with one of his companions.
"Mira," Jinwoo whispered, "he just passed a flash drive to someone. Can you track it?"
"Got it," Mira replied. "The recipient is a courier. He's leaving through the main entrance. You need to follow him, but don't lose sight of Choi entirely."
Jinwoo gritted his teeth. Splitting his focus was risky, but he had no choice. He trailed the courier at a distance, careful not to draw attention. The man left the club and entered a sleek black car.
"He's heading west," Mira reported. "I'll keep tracking him. Return to Choi."
Jinwoo hurried back to the lounge, relieved to find Choi still at the table. But something was wrong. Choi's demeanor had changed—he looked tense, his eyes darting around as if sensing danger.
"He knows something's up," Jinwoo murmured.
"Stay out of sight," Mira warned. "If he suspects you, the mission is over."