บท 5: The Nobles

MC POV

"When I first arrived in this world, I wanted to just play around without any care..." My voice trailed off as I looked out over the city from the rooftop where I stood, the neon lights of Seoul flickering in the distance like a thousand tiny stars. The wind whipped through my hair, bringing with it the familiar scent of rain-soaked concrete and the distant hum of the city's life. For a moment, I let myself reminisce about the carefree days I once imagined for myself in this world.

But that vision had quickly crumbled when I saw the harsh realities that others faced. The pain, the suffering—it was everywhere. And the more I saw, the more my own frivolous dreams seemed ridiculous.

"But seeing kids and people in this much pain changed my mind," I continued, my voice growing stronger, filled with a newfound determination. "I'm gonna change this." The words felt right as they left my lips, solidifying the purpose I had chosen to embrace.

A faint memory tugged at the edges of my consciousness, something I had read or heard once. "As someone once said, 'With great power comes great responsibilities.'" I chuckled to myself, knowing just how cliché it sounded, but it was true. I had been given a second chance in this world, and I wasn't going to waste it.

"So, guess what? I'm gonna make this place my turf, my... territory." I couldn't help but grin at the thought, the excitement bubbling up inside me. "It'll be faster if I have a crew, and it'll be cool to have people wearing suits around me as my minions, kyaaa!" I squealed like a fangirl, spinning around in a circle as the sheer thrill of it all took over. For a brief moment, I let myself indulge in the fantasy of commanding a powerful organization, each member loyal to me, all dressed to the nines, ready to take on the world.

But the daydream was abruptly interrupted by the sound of pained groans behind me. I turned, noticing the boy who had just started to regain consciousness. "Oh, you're finally awake," I said, forcing my voice into the friendliest tone I could muster. But the boy looked at me with suspicion, his body tensing as he tried to take in his surroundings.

"Who are you? Where is my sister?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation. The way he clung to the last thread of hope was heart-wrenching, and I felt a pang of sympathy for him. He had been through so much already, and now he was waking up in an unfamiliar place, with a stranger standing over him.

"Ah, sorry, my mistake. I should have introduced myself," I said, feigning an exaggerated bow as if I were some kind of superhero. "My name is Axel Myung. You can simply call me Axel. And as for your sister, she was sedated by the food given by that old hag and fell asleep. She's currently right there." I pointed toward a large cardboard box in the corner of the room.

The boy's eyes widened, and despite his obvious pain, he dragged himself toward the box. I watched as he struggled, trying to stay on his feet. Without thinking, I stepped forward to help him, slipping an arm under his shoulder to support him. He stiffened at my touch, resisting at first, but eventually gave in, realizing he couldn't do it on his own.

When he finally reached the box, he peered inside, and I saw the tension drain from his body, replaced by a wave of relief. His sister was curled up inside, sleeping peacefully, her small frame swaddled in a woolen sheet. She clutched a pillow nearly twice her size, her tiny hands gripping it like it was the most precious thing in the world. The sight brought a smile to the boy's face, and for a moment, it felt like a small victory in this world filled with so much loss.

"Hwan Geon," he finally whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "My name is Hwan Geon."

And then, to my surprise, he fell to his knees, his body shaking as tears streamed down his face. "Thank you... Thank you..." he kept repeating, his words slurred and barely audible through his sobs. It went on for half an hour, his gratitude pouring out in waves, each thank you as heartfelt as the last.

When he finally calmed down, I handed him a handkerchief. "So, Hwan, are you okay now?" I asked softly. He took the handkerchief, wiping his tear-streaked face before attempting to give it back to me. I shook my head with a smile. "You've been saying thanks for the past half hour, and you can keep it."

For the next hour, I sat there and listened to his story, each word heavy with sorrow. He told me about his life before everything went wrong—how he had lived like a prince, only to lose it all and be forced to care for his little sister in a world that seemed determined to crush them both. The weight of it all hung in the air, a reminder of how fragile happiness could be.

As someone once said, 'To know sorrow is not terrifying. What is terrifying is to know you can't go back to the happiness you could have.'

"Why did you save me?" Hwan asked, his eyes searching mine for an answer that made sense in his world of endless pain.

I smiled, a bittersweet memory surfacing in my mind. "I also had a brother around your sister's age." Hwan's face fell, the word 'had' resonating with him in a way that didn't need further explanation. I didn't tell him about my past life, about the circumstances that led me here, but sharing that small piece of myself seemed to bridge the gap between us. He learned that I was an orphan too, that I had faced abuse and hardship just like him.

The abandoned house where we were now was a place of new beginnings. It was soon going to be the birthplace of something much bigger than either of us could imagine—the crew that would shake the world to its core.

Time skip {2 years}

Today marked a special milestone for me and my crew, as we celebrated our second anniversary. As I sat in my office, gazing out of the window, memories flooded back, and a sense of nostalgia washed over me like a comforting wave. The trees outside swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly, a stark contrast to the turbulent journey that had brought us to this point.

Hwan and I had embarked on this journey as local street thugs, and we had gradually assimilated all the small gangs scattered across central Seoul. Initially, no one took us seriously due to our age, dismissing us as mere kids. However, a swift roundhouse kick to the face swiftly changed their perception. Hwan, with his remarkable management skills and talent for identifying capable individuals, quickly became my most valuable asset. Within just six months, our crew's name had gained recognition throughout central Seoul. The first year brought a significant event that not only shook all of Korea but also elevated our status to unprecedented heights within Seoul itself. It was an event that had pushed me to the brink, testing my composure and resolve as a leader, but the details of that story deserve its own telling. We encountered many core individuals of my crew during this journey

my crew had evolved over time, transforming from a mere street gang into a well-structured organization. Central Seoul had long been devoid of a major crew presence, making it the perfect battleground for us to stake our claim. Claiming our territory had been no easy feat; it had been a grueling, year-long struggle filled with relentless fighting and power struggles. However, through slow and steady progress, we had managed to ascend from a small crew to one of the most prominent conglomerate companies in South Korea.

Every member of my crew had undergone extensive training, evolving from mere thugs into well-paid professionals, earning above-average salaries compared to industry standards. Our strength lay not in instilling fear through brute force but in the mutual respect, trust, and unity that bound us together.

My business empire had expanded far beyond the borders of South Korea. While our stronghold remained in Seoul, we had cast our net wide, establishing significant operations in Japan, Russia, and even the United States. Our primary focus was on the metal ore industry, where we had grown to become a dominant player.

In Japan, we had secured valuable partnerships and contracts that allowed us to tap into the country's vast resources and infrastructure. Our presence in Russia, with its rich mineral reserves, had given us a competitive edge in the global metal ore market. And in the United States, we had strategically positioned ourselves to access a diverse range of resources, further solidifying our status as a global player.

Our journey had taken us far from our humble beginnings on the streets of Seoul. From local thugs to international business magnates, our crew had defied expectations and seized opportunities wherever they arose.

Our influence now stretched far and wide, from small bars and karaoke centers to lavish five-star casinos and high-end jewelry shops. The entire central Seoul region had fallen under the firm control of my crew, earning us the well-deserved moniker of the "NOBLES."

As I reflected on our remarkable journey, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. We had come a long way from our humble beginnings on the gritty streets of Seoul, and we had done it together as a tightly-knit family. The memories of the struggles and triumphs we had shared served as a testament to our unwavering commitment to our goals.

On this special day, as we gathered to celebrate our achievements, I couldn't help but look forward to what the future held for the NOBLES. We had faced adversity head-on, conquered our challenges, and now, we stood as a formidable force in the heart of Seoul. The journey had been long and arduous, but it had been worth every hardship we had endured. The NOBLES were here to stay, and we were determined to leave an indelible mark on the city that had witnessed our rise to power.

General POV

Today marked a significant milestone for the Nobles—a momentous occasion celebrated in the grandeur of one of South Korea's largest hotels, a property owned and constructed by none other than the Noble Group of Construction, their very own conglomerate. As the event unfolded in the lavish hall, the right corner was reserved for a luxury bar—a symbolic nod to their successes and an emblem of the journey that had led them here.

At the heart of this celebration were the core members of their crew, engaged in passionate discussions about the day's agenda. Each of them had come a long way from their humble beginnings, and this anniversary was a testament to the remarkable growth and unity they had achieved.

Nobles Rank 5 - [Maria Kim]: Maria was a renowned beauty idol and celebrity, a figure whose popularity transcended national boundaries. Her role within the Nobles was multifaceted—she skillfully managed the entertainment business arm of their organization, serving as the CEO of Nobles Entertainment Ltd. Beyond this, Maria was entrusted with overseeing the legal team of the Nobles, a testament to her legal acumen and the respect she commanded. Her physical appearance was striking—a blend of innocence and seduction that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Nobles Rank 4 - [Alex Lee]: Alex was a unique and highly talented individual within their ranks. With the appearance of a classic tech genius—complete with nerdy glasses and tousled hair—he was the brains behind the Nobles' technological advancements. His contributions extended to the management of Nobles Electronics Ltd., where he harnessed his prowess in the realm of technology. Additionally, Alex assumed the role of treasurer for their crew, an essential function that ensured the financial stability and growth of the Nobles.

Nobles Rank 3 - [Harry Nam]: Harry was a commanding presence, a middle-aged gentleman whose impeccable attire and towering physique demanded respect. His unique feature—a distinct slash mark running from his left eyebrow to the back of his head—only added to his enigmatic aura. Within their crew, he held the esteemed position of CEO for both Nobles Construction Ltd. and Nobles Heavy Metals. These responsibilities highlighted his prowess in the construction and metals industries, areas where the Nobles had made significant strides.

Nobles Rank 2 - [Hwan Geon]: Hwan was a tall and lean figure, his presence a testament to his dedication and hard work. As the vice president of the Nobles, he played a pivotal role in managing the affairs of their crew. Hwan's journey with the Nobles had begun from its very inception, and his contributions had been invaluable in shaping their crew's destiny. His determination and leadership had been critical to their growth.

These four individuals constituted the crew's executive leadership, collectively known as the Elite Four. Their roles, while distinct, were interconnected in the pursuit of the Nobles' goals. Their commitment to their shared vision had been instrumental in transforming a group of local street thugs into a powerful conglomerate with a global footprint.