The Path Of A True King.

Kai stepped off the worn pavement of the South district, the dim neon lights of their bar flickering in the distance.

The streets were alive, but not with the order of a ruling gang. Instead, the "Gangless Area" thrived under an illusion of lawlessness.

Small-time crooks, hustlers, and independent dealers moved freely, but those who understood the underworld knew the truth—Mike ran this place from the shadows.

To outsiders, it was just another rough part of the city. To those in the know, it was a powder keg waiting to explode.

Kai entered the bar, his sharp blue eyes scanning the familiar faces before landing on a woman behind the counter.

She was in her late thirties, her dark hair tied back, with a presence that commanded respect.

Sylvia.

"You actually have time to visit, or did something happen?" she asked, wiping a glass.

Kai smirked. "Can't I just visit my aunt?"

Sylvia scoffed. "You're not the type."

Kai chuckled, leaning against the bar. "Fair. I'm here to give you a heads-up."

Sylvia's expression hardened as she set the glass down. "What kind of heads-up?"

Kai's voice lowered slightly. "We're moving into the real Gangless Area. It won't be clean. Some people are gonna be pissed."

Sylvia sighed, her fingers tapping the counter. "And you're telling me this because?"

"Because I don't want trouble spilling over here. You and Mai should be careful." Kai stopped for a moment before saying. "When we start expanding, they may try to attack this place. So be careful."

At the mention of her daughter, Sylvia's eyes sharpened. "And what about you, Kai? How deep are you getting into this?"

Kai exhaled. "As deep as it takes."

Before Sylvia could say more, footsteps approached. Mai, dressed in her usual casual clothes, stepped up beside Kai with a curious look. "You're leaving already?"

Kai nodded. "Gotta check on Lucas."

Mai hesitated before speaking. "Then can I talk to you."

Kai showed a confused expression before asking, "Can it await."

Mai shocks her head, which Kai sighed and signed her to follow as he said, "Goodbye aunt see you when I am free."

"You're hurting me Kai, you need to visit your aunt daily." Sylvia said.

Outside the building Kai looked at Mai.

"I want to train. I don't want to waste my time serving drunkards in the bar when I can actually help."

Kai studied her for a moment. "You sure?"

Mai nodded. "Yes."

Kai exhaled. "I understand but Elijah isn't going to like it. If he says no, I will remove you."

Mai's eyes didn't waver. "I understand."

Kai gave a short nod. "Alright. We'll start soon."

Mai smiled slightly, and before more could be said, Kai turned to leave.

At the Pool club

The pool club buzzed with energy, a mix of voices filling the space as teenagers and grown ups mingled.

The place had a rugged charm—dim neon lights reflected off scratched-up pool tables, and the scent of cigarettes mixed with cheap cologne.

Music played from an old speaker in the corner, barely masking the sound of pool balls cracking against each other.

The crowd was a blend of young and old.

Many of the teenagers came from Jack's school or nearby ones, either skipping classes or looking for something more exciting than the dull routine of their daily lives.

The adults, on the other hand, were small-time criminals—pickpockets, hustlers, and thugs who operated in the shadows of the so-called Gangless Area.

Despite the casual atmosphere, everyone here knew the truth—this was Kai and his crew's territory.

The club wasn't just a hangout; it was a place of business, a meeting point where plans were made and moves were decided.

Lucas leaned against a pool table, lazily twirling a cue stick in his hand, his sharp gaze observing the people around him.

Some were laughing over drinks, others locked in heated pool matches, and a few kept their eyes on the exits, always cautious.

His attention flicked toward the entrance as Kai walked in.

Unlike most who carried themselves with fake bravado, Kai didn't need to announce his presence.

His sharp blue eyes swept the room, and those who knew better moved out of his way.

His steps were calm, his expression unreadable, but there was an unspoken authority in the way he carried himself.

Kai pulled up a chair across from Lucas, resting an elbow on the table. "Hope you got too comfortable."

Lucas smirked, setting the cue stick down. "Never."

Before either could say more, the door swung open again, and Kevin and Tristan stepped in.

They made their way through the crowd effortlessly, their presence alone enough to command attention.

Kevin, taller than the rest, had a relaxed but dangerous air about him.

His casual smirk didn't quite reach his eyes, and anyone who had spent enough time in the streets knew better than to underestimate him.

Tristan, on the other hand, had a sharp gaze and calculating, always assessing the situation.

As they reached the table, Kai leaned forward, his voice low but firm. "We're making our move tonight."

Lucas raised a brow, leaning back. "Didn't think we'd start this soon, but go on."

Kai smirked. "We take over the Gangless Area—starting with this side first. It's simple. We let the people know they'll be paying us for protection."

Lucas snorted. "They'll refuse."

Kai nodded. "Obviously. That's why we'll make an example out of the small gangs here.

Most of them are just Beginner Knights who bought their techniques off the black market—cheap, weak, and barely worth calling trained."

Tristan crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "What are we going to do with them after that."

Kai looked at everyone before saying, "Tell them to join."

"If they also refuse." Tristan questioned

Kai didn't blink. "Then they die."

The words carried weight. There was no room for mercy, no second chances.

Kevin let out a low chuckle, running a hand through his hair. "I like it."

Lucas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "So we're making a statement right away."

Kai adjusted his sleeves. "Not just a statement—we're letting them know we own this place now.

The happier the people are, the more they'll pay.

And nothing makes people happier than seeing the ones who've been making their lives miserable get what they deserve.

Also seeing how good they are being protected, they won't complain but instead side with us."

Lucas grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Then let's give them a show."

Kevin smirked. "I was starting to get bored anyway."

Tristan simply nodded, his usual silence speaking volumes.

Kai glanced around the club one last time before standing. "Then get ready, I have to meet Jack."