Daesung has defeated Workers and crushed Burn Knuckles in a one-on-one against Eli. But something felt... off. Eli, who once bowed to Daesung back in Chapter 1, had the strength to go toe-to-toe with Jihan—yet he lost in one punch. A mystery. And now, after facing Daesung again, he didn’t fight with full strength even then. Why? Who is Eli Jang really loyal to?
[Flashback – 3 months before Daesung’s rise in Gangbuk]
Location: Seoul Eastside – Burn Knuckles Hideout
Eli stares at a photo of his daughter.
Rowan:
“You’re not really going to join Allied, are you?”
Eli:
“I am. Just for now.”
Rowan:
“You could destroy that entire gang if you wanted.”
Eli:
“That’s not the point. Jihan’s growing fast. Daesung… he’s different. I need to see what they become.”
Rowan:
“So you're going undercover?”
Eli nods.
Eli:
“Call it a test. If Daesung can control someone like Jihan, if he can build order, then maybe… he deserves Seoul.”
[Back to Chapter 1 events – Eli vs Jihan]
Jihan throws a punch.
Eli stands still.
And takes the hit.
He falls.
(Eli’s inner thoughts):
“This kid’s strong. But not stronger than me. Still… I needed to lose. Let them think I’m weak. Let Daesung think I’m obedient.”
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[Present – After Burn Knuckles’ defeat]
Daesung sits on a rooftop. Jihan next to him.
Jihan:
“Why do I feel like something’s off about Eli?”
Daesung:
“He let you win.”
Jihan (shocked):
“What?”
Daesung:
“Back then, that time when we attack on you… he took that punch on purpose. And now, when I fought him, he held back again.”
Jihan:
“Why would he do that?”
Daesung:
“He’s watching us. Judging us. Probably deciding whether I’m fit to rule Seoul.”
[Cut to: Burn Knuckles Gym]
Eli walks in with bandages. Rowan is training new recruits.
Rowan:
“You lost again.”
Eli:
“No. I gave him what he needed: Confidence.”
Rowan:
“And what do we do now?”
Eli:
“Now we wait. Until he challenges Hostel. That’s when real war begins.”
Rowan:
“Still testing him?”
Eli:
“No.
Now… I’m protecting him.”
Eli meets Tatsuya for the first time.
Tatsuya:
“You care about this city, don’t you?”
Eli:
“More than anything.”
Tatsuya:
“Then you’ll help Daesung. One day he’ll either become its king… or its destroyer.”
Eli:
“And if he becomes the destroyer?”
Tatsuya (coldly):
“Then you’ll be the one to end him.”
A hidden room filled with the leaders of Hostel. Daesung's name echoes in every conversation.
Unknown Figure:
“He’s taken down three gangs already.”
Another voice:
“Burn Knuckles didn’t resist. That’s suspicious.”
Hostel Leader (hooded):
“Prepare for war. But first, send a message.”
[Next day – Allied Hideout]
A box arrives for Daesung.
Inside: A burnt mask, a ripped Allied jacket, and a single note.
“If you want the throne, take it from the monsters.
Hostel”
Eli (monologue):
“Daesung… you’re becoming what this city feared.
And maybe, what it needs.
But remember… if you fall too far,
I’ll be the first to light the fire that burns you down.”
The final war begins. Hostel doesn’t play by rules.
They don’t just fight.
They hunt.
Daesung’s power will be tested like never before.