Jin-woo Choi, leader of the Choi clan, stood at the end of the long mahogany table. Behind him, the symbol of their clan, a sinuous and threatening snake, was beautifully carved in wood and inlaid with jade. The snake, with its ability to sneak and strike quickly, symbolized the skill, cunning, and strategy of the Choi clan. Jin-woo, dressed in a perfectly cut black suit, embodied the coldness and determination that characterized the members of his clan.

  To her left, sitting with aristocratic elegance, was Mrs. Seo Haeji, the formidable leader of the Seo clan. Her beauty was as deceptive as the flower that symbolized her clan. A large painting of a black lotus, gracefully emerging from a swamp, dominated the wall behind her. The lotus, a symbol of purity and resilience, evoked the Seo clan's ability to rise above adversity. Madame Seo, dressed in silk and refined lace, mastered the art of manipulation, using her charm to hide her true intentions.

  Finally, to the right of Jin-woo, stood Master Han Kim, the leader of the Kim clan. He was a massive man, with a hard face marked by the years, carrying a scar along his jaw, a vestige of a past fight. Behind him, an ancient saber, decorated with delicate engravings, was displayed in a glass showcase. The symbol of his clan, a brandished sword, embodied strength, honor, and loyalty. Han, dressed in dark gray, emanated an authority that left no doubt about his position.

  The meeting room where the meeting of the three clans was held was a grandiose space, illuminated by crystal chandeliers that diffused soft and warm light, accentuating the shadows that danced on the walls. The dark woodwork on the walls created an atmosphere that was both opulent and intimidating, while heavy Persian carpets muffled the sound of their footsteps, adding an atmosphere of mystery and gravity.

  At the back of the room, a large window overlooked a carefully maintained garden, where stone lanterns diffused a subdued glow, evoking a deceptive serenity in the face of the tensions that reigned inside. The room was decorated with old portraits of past clan leaders, their serious glances seeming to observe the meeting with silent curiosity.

  The atmosphere in the room was tense, each word spoken loaded with implications and issues. The leaders knew that behind appearances there were deep rivalries and hidden ambitions. The symbols of their clans, whether the snake, the lotus, or the saber, were not only ornaments but constant reminders of their inheritances, their powers, and the responsibilities that weighed on their shoulders.

  As the meeting progressed, the tension rose, with each participant being aware that a simple mistake could trigger conflicts beyond their imagination. Their outfits and symbols only accentuated the seriousness of the situation, creating a vivid picture of intrigue, loyalties, and potential betrayals.

  Jin-woo —We are gathered here to discuss the recent threat to our clans. The Choi clan has lost a significant cargo, but it seems that we are not the only ones.

  Madame Seo crossed her delicate fingers, her piercing gaze sweeping the room.

  Madame Seo — The Seo were also attacked. One of our databases was infiltrated, and sensitive information was stolen. It can only be an orchestrated scheme.

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  Master Kim nodded slowly, his expression grave.

  Master Kim—The Kim clan lost three men in an ambush. Someone is trying to weaken us.

  Jin-woo with gravity—We have to understand who is behind these attacks. We must unite.

  Mrs. Seo raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on her lips.

  Mrs. Seo —What if it wasn't just an enemy? What if a fourth clan was preparing to enter the game?

  The silence that followed was almost palpable. The idea of a new booming clan added additional tension to the meeting.

  Master Kim — If they dare to attack us, then they must be taken seriously. But what motivates them? Power, money... or something more personal?

  Mrs. Seo intervenes, in a cold tone—No matter their motivations. What matters is how we're going to eliminate them.

  The chiefs turned their attention to Seo, surprised by his intervention.

  Jin-woo with a slight smile — you're right. Each of us must use our resources to find out who is behind these attacks.

  Mrs. Seo and Master Kim exchanged a look, then nodded slowly.

  Mrs. Seo —Very good. We will investigate on our side. But if we find out that one of ours is involved, he will have to pay the price.

  Master Kim —Betrayal will not be tolerated. It doesn't matter who the author is.

  As the meeting continues, in the city of Seoul a man was walking or rather running as if someone wanted to hurt him. This man was wrinkled from head to toe, hungry but still alive, his destination was clear to him. After long minutes, he finally arrived at the end of his way, in front of him the famous building he was looking for, was still lit and the employees were still present.

  This building where he had decided to end his ordeal, to end this story that had begun in the abysses of hell. This building brought together criminals and vigilantes under the same roof.

  The meeting of the clan chiefs had begun, Minho was heading to his room observing the vast corridor, decorated with traditional paintings and wooden sculptures, mixing the old and the modern in a striking decor.

  As he progressed, Minho noticed the details that characterized their house. Stone walls decorated with ancestral motifs were side with tempered glass windows offering a breathtaking view of the landscaped garden. Korean lanterns, illuminated by discreet LEDs, created a warm atmosphere. The mix of styles reflected not only the legacy of the Choi family but also their ability to evolve with the times.

  Arriving at his room, he saw employees busy in the main hall. They installed elements related to the second ritual precipitation of ancient Korea, symbols of protection and prosperity, carefully arranged on tables decorated with embroidered sheets. The precise and respectful gestures of the workers indicated the importance of these rituals for the family.

  Minho pushed the door of his room, a personal sanctuary where he could withdraw from the expectations of the outside world. The walls were covered with dark wooden panels, and traditional sculptures adorned the shelves, testifying to the family history. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to get away from the weight of responsibilities that weighed on his shoulders.

  He moved to the window, contemplating the garden, a space where natural elements intertwined with contemporary touches. Carefully stacked stones formed a winding path, lined with cherry blossoms and bamboo trees, creating a perfect harmony between tradition and modernism.

  As he lost himself in his thoughts, the distant noise of the discussions of the chiefs' meeting resounded through the walls. The weight of the words exchanged, the accusations, and the alliances in progress, all weighed on his mind. In this house, where each room told a story, Minho felt strangely disconnected. Rituals and traditions seemed so far removed from his aspirations.

  Minho was lying in his bed, eyes closed when his phone vibrated on the bedside table.