"Stephan Ahn... he was moved to another hospital."
"His treatment options here were very limited, and the patient's guardians wanted to leave this place as well."
As Gray walked out of the hospital, bag in hand, he was greeted by a figure with blond, spiky hair, tattoos, and blood red eyes.
"Are you Gray Yeon?" The man asked in a professional manner, slowly approaching Gray.
A tall boy with red hair and glasses was accompanying him.
"Who the hell are you?" Gray stared at the blond male, caution clear on his face.
"I'm Donald Na." He announced
"I noticed you and I had the same score at Olympiad. I'm here to offer you a position in the Yeongeunngpo Union." Donald looked at Gray with interest.
He then noticed that the boy had a bag he was carrying. The bag looked like a travel bag. He was curious as to why he was holding a bag.
Is he visiting someone here? I should have chosen somewhere else more appropriate to meet him; he might decline based on emotions.
"What would I get?" Gray inquired, not particularly interested, but he knew the man in front of him was not someone to ignore casually.
Donald smiled. A smile of excitement. He hadn't spoken to this boy for even a minute, but he knew he made the right choice personally by coming out to meet him.
He didn't even ask what the union was; either he knows about it, which I doubt since this isn't very close, or he has no interest and just wants to get out of here.
"You would get an appropriate amount of money for the work you do," Donald responded.
Gray seemed to think for a moment.
"Okay. I'll join." Gray nodded
Donald was taken aback; he didn't expect to be accepted by someone who wasn't even in the Yeongeun region.
"You are quite far from the—" Donald was speaking before Gray interjected.
"I'll be moving to Yeongdeungpo, and I will be attending a high school there,"
Kingsley looked at Donald with a little worry; Gray had just cut him off, and he wasn't sure what Donald would do.
Donald let out a laugh that sounded slightly exaggerated.
"What a coincidence. Here is my personal phone number. Let me know once you've settled in so I can prepare for your work," Donald said.
As Donald and Kingsley were walking away and Gray stood there, Donald paused and turned his head.
"Oh yeah, I suggest you learn how to throw punches that do less damage to your knuckles," Donald said, turning away.
Donald had noticed Gray's knuckles were bruised; he could tell those were from someone who had recently gotten into a fight.
He had gotten them when he first started fighting and wasn't completely aware of how to fight.
Donald just never expected someone with such a small frame to get into fights, especially someone from Byakusan with a record like Gray's.
Maybe I can use him for work besides paperwork. I need to gauge his skills, though.
Gray turned his feet and made his way to a car waiting for him. He would get into the car designated to drive him to his new apartment.
He took out Donald's number and made him a contact.
One week later
After Gray was situated with his living conditions, he messaged Donald
Gray
This is Donald Na from Yeongdeungpo, right?
Donald Na
Yes, I'm delighted that you reached out to me first. Gray Yeon, I was worried you wouldn't contact me back.
How did he know I messaged him? I'm sure he's recruited countless other people. He said this was his personal number; what reason does he have to give me this?
Donald Na
Meet me at this location (building), and I will give you the first order there.
Gray
Okay
Gray didn't know what to expect, but at this point, he didn't care.
He was going to a new place where he knew no one. He would take whatever came his way, whether he could handle it or not.
Gray arrived at a well-kept building that looked more like an office building than a place for gang business.
When Gray entered the building, he entered a room and saw Donald Na and Kingsley Kwan at the desk, with Kingsley standing in front of Donald.
"Hello Gray, please have a seat," Donald said as he motioned for Gray to take a seat.
Gray sat down and waited to hear Donald's explanation.
Gray's eyes were filled with a need for purpose. He seemed like a walking shell. He appears to be devoid of motivation.
"What do you need me to do?" Gray asked in a voice devoid of emotion, which caused chills to run down Donald's spine.
Donald let a grin slip; he didn't remember the last time he felt a rush like that.
He knew he could beat the boy in front of him without breaking a sweat, but he felt nervous in front of him, like he needed to prove himself.
"Ah, right. Starting today, I want you to give me information about these people." Donald said, passing over a paper with a group of names.
"Is this it?" Gray said, glancing down at the paper in front of him.
"Yes," Donald said.
Gray looked at Donald and understood what he was trying to do.
Donald was trying to test out Gray's capabilities. Donald didn't outright say if he wanted an analysis of the people or what, but Gray knew Donald wouldn't stand for just a list of names.
Gray nodded and started walking out.
Donald grinned widely, startling Kingsley.
"You're not going to ask why or what information I need?" Donald asked
"No need," Gray said before walking out of the door and closing it behind him.
"Donald, isn't it dangerous for him to examine these people? He won't be able to handle a few of these..." Kingsley noticed Donald wasn't even looking at him.
He was staring with wide eyes where Gray had just left.
"Have faith, Kingsley," Donald reassured him.
Though I'm not sure how much of that I believe. He seems to not fear anything.
As Gray walked out of the building, his heart was beating off the charts.
Gray felt some sort of strange connection to Donald.
He felt like they were too similar yet vastly different at the same time. He felt that if he had lived a life any different from the one he is living now, he would have been living like Donald.
Gray wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Donald felt like he knew Gray for who he really was and that he hadn't been exposed to his true potential yet.
If Gray would be by Donald's side in the union, Donald wanted to get that potential out of him.
Gray spent the next few days researching the names Donald gave him. He created an Instagram account just to find out more about these people, though he didn't reveal anything about himself on the page.
Gray also created an account on something known as the "shuttle patch," which ranked the top fighters. Though only a few of the people Donald wanted were ranked
Gray obtained an ungodly amount of information about each person. Like their previous schools, their future high school, their known relatives, their relationship status, any known weaknesses, their fighting style, their closest friends, what cliche group they were in at school, where they frequented, their grades, etc., he even knew down to the cigarettes a few of these delinquents took.
Gray mentally took note of each of these individuals in case he ever needed to meet them.
Gray took the information to Donald 2 days after their meeting, and Donald looked at the list with astonishment.
"You really did all of this? Right, of course." Donald whispered, pushing his blond hair back.
"You truly went above and beyond what I expected." Donald said
He didn't even need to go to the schools to ask around for information. It seems like he did everything digitally.
Gray stared at Donald before looking away.
"What other work do you need done?" Gray asked, seemingly more interested in what more tasks could come to him.
"I will be holding a meeting with the groups of people here and having Kingsley gather the ones interested in being a part of the Union."
"I will be assigning you work about the businesses we will associate with. I need you to get more information about these people, their past business experiences, and any flaws you see with their system."
"This is very important; can you handle it?" Donald asked
Gray simply nodded.
"Right, I also wanted to speak to you regarding your fighting skills. Do you have confidence in sparring with me?" Donald asked daringly.
"Not currently," Gray said without hesitation or fear.
"I'd like for you to become more than just brains." Donald began.
"When I first met you, I noticed your knuckles were bruised, most likely from a fight. I won't ask more about your experience there; what matters now is that you will be working with me, and I need you to be capable of defending yourself." Donald continued.
"You need experience; I can help you grow." Donald added
The offer sounded oddly welcoming to Gray, but he knew that if he accepted it, he would need to put all his efforts into building his skills, and he would need to commit fully to that.
Gray stood there with a blank expression, hiding his thoughts.
"What would I do?" Gray asked
Donald grinned
"Simple. I need to first analyze your fighting skills. I give you permission to try to attack me right now," Donald said, opening his arms wide for attack.
Gray took the opportunity to throw papers at Donald. Donald used his right hand to push the papers away. Gray dove before grabbing a folder on Donald's desk to block his vision.
Donald once again dodged.
"Is that it? I thought you knew more." Donald provoked
Gray didn't let Donald's words get to him, grabbing a pen from the desk and rushing towards him. Donald managed to dodge before throwing a punch of his own.
Gray noticed Donald's shoulder twitch, so he narrowly dodged in time, feeling his fist graze his skin.
That was close.
Gray continued to watch Donald's punches and narrowly miss them. A few of them were too close to call, so Gray used his hand to deflect a punch but felt his hand was too weak to take the impact.
Gray's hand was now red, but he used his palm to go towards Donald's face.
Donald deflected it before Gray kicked the center of Donald's knee.
Donald felt his knees tense up before he decided he had watched enough of Gray.
He grabbed Gray's hands, putting him to a stop with ease.
Gray was panting and sweating, while Donald was breathing a little heavier but not by much.
"Based on your fighting techniques, you depend too much on the environment. Could you beat me without anything nearby?" Donald asked
"No," Gray said flatly.
Donald didn't expect an immediate response, but he nodded.
"You need to train more on your physical abilities. Right now, you don't stand a chance based on strength in a random fight," Donald said.
"You can dodge pretty well, but you won't get far simply by dodging." Donald added
"How do you suppose I get stronger?" Gray asked
Donald grinned before advising him.
"Get more experience... Against an experienced opponent, strength and battle IQ will not get you very far," Donald explained.
Though I did rely on strength and battle IQ to begin with,
Gray seemed to think for a bit before nodding.
"All right," Gray said, picking up the papers Donald had given him. Gray stopped before he completely left the door.
"Thanks," Gray said, closing the door gently.
Donald looked down at his knee and placed his hand on it.
How'd he manage to land a kick on me? I was too careless; this will most likely leave a bruise.
Gray had kicked Donald right below the knee, where a pressure point is that causes the knees to buckle.
Donald sat down on the chair in front of his desk, wondering how Gray would train to gain experience.
After their meeting, Gray decided he wanted to grow stronger. For himself.
He knew he stood no chance against Donald Na. He felt helpless when fighting Bryce and Oswald because he knew he was physically weaker.
Gray looked down at the piece of paper with the businesses that Donald asked him to look into.
What is the Union? It seems rather newly formed. I wonder what he actually does. I'll have to look more into it.
While walking back, Gray noticed five people off to the side; they seemed to be hiding.
I shouldn't start trouble with groups larger than 2.
"Hey! What the fuck are you doing here? Get over here!" One of the boys asked
Gray looked over at them.
These guys look familiar. I think they go by "Naksung Gang." Donald asked me to look into them. They're strong, but they're full of bluff. I need to play it cool.
Gray was planning to get out of this without conflict, but he remembered what Donald told him.
"Get more experience." Strength and battle IQ won't get you far against an experienced opponent.
Gray sighed; he knew that 5 vs. 1 would be tough for most people, but he couldn't help but be eager for the experience Donald informed him about.
If I attack the leader, the rest of the group might lose morale. I'll give this a try. I just need at least one down. I don't care about what happens after.
Gray looked around for anything to use as a weapon and was satisfied when he saw a trash can lid.
Gray quickly grabbed the lid and rushed forward to get the leader in the middle.
He used the lid to bash the leaders face in, using his foot to knock him off balance. He continued to bash his head with the lid before backing up and staring at the other members.
Gray felt his body shake; he was high on the thrill of fighting. He didn't want this feeling to stop, but he hated it at the same time.
Will beating their leader suffice, or will they fight me as well?
A new figure was walking up to the scene.
"I thought you fuckers were after me. Why bring someone else involved?" The new face asked
A boy with orange hair walked up.
This guy's name is Jake Ji. Donald asked for information on him as well.
"You can go now, kid," Jake said as he walked past Gray.
"What the hell did you do to him?"Jake said, looking back from Gray toward the leader on the floor.
"I guess I didn't need to help after all." Jake laughed awkwardly.
I assumed this kid was weak, but I guess he has fight in him.
"We were waiting for you, Jake," the leader said, getting up from the floor.
"Really? It seems like you were getting your ass beat." Jake laughed mockingly.
Gray didn't want to admit it, but he wanted to watch this fight. He didn't know what he would learn from it.
The leader launched his way towards Jake, but Jake slapped him, which made the leader fall.
Just a slap?
The group already had low morale from the beating of their leader Gray inflicted, but now they completely lost hope.
Gray walked off quickly before Jake could interact with him.
That kid seemed interesting; I hope I meet him again. He looked like a girl, though.
Gray was walking, still shaking from the adrenaline from the fight.
If Jake wasn't there, I'm not sure what would have happened after. I can't rely on anyone else. I need to grow stronger.
The experience I gained just now was nowhere near enough. People judge me as weak based on my appearance; if I let people find me and fight me on their own, then I probably don't have to go out looking for fights.
With Donald and Kingsley
"Kingsley, I'd like you to get information on Gray Yeon and why he moved out of Byakusan; also, which high school he will be attending," Donald told Kingsley.
Kingsley nodded
Gray is likely to attend either my school or Ganghak, or at least one of the elites.