Vincent drove the boss to a hotel located in one of the high-end areas of the city. It was the last place anyone would expect to see gang activity, yet this was the Triad's main base.
Like usual, the security was tight, but Vincent didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. The number of guards could easily be considered standard for a luxurious hotel.
He followed Don Angel up to the front desk.
"I'm here for the Underside," Don Angel said to one of the female receptionists.
The woman blushed slightly at the sudden sight of a man like Don Angel. Although he wasn't dressed much differently from the other wealthy-looking men, she could immediately tell there was something different about him.
"O-okay… your name and who recommended you, please," she asked shyly.
"I am Don Angel," he said with his usual confident smile.
The moment the words left his mouth, the whole floor went silent. Most of the men present turned to look at him.
It was then Vincent realized that most of the people here were members of the Triad. Although they looked like they were just lounging around, this was probably how they provided extra security.
'No wonder there wasn't much security outside… this way they can function like an actual business'
Then it dawned on Vincent, that this meant they were surrounded by enemies. He caught glimpses of weapons hidden beneath their suits.
Vincent tensed immediately.
'This guy just walked into his enemies' base and announced himself… is he actually crazy?!' He screamed internally.
'Maybe they won't know we came in together if I just give him a bit of space and–'
"Vinnie, are you okay now?" Don Angel asked. "I forgot to ask if your injuries are healed."
"Y-yeah… I told you I recover quickly," he chuckled weakly, realizing his only chance to slip away had just vanished. There was no going back now.
The girl behind the counter was startled for a few seconds before coming back to herself.
"Oh… sir, come this way please." She obviously knew the name. How could she not? It was one she had heard countless times from the mouths of Triad gangsters. Working in a place like this, names like that were common talk.
He was the boss of a gang that was supposedly going against the Triad, and they were out to hunt him down. But to think he would come here himself…
'Poor guy… and he's so handsome and young'
Vincent stared at the ground, unable to hide his despair. He always feared Don Angel might eventually kill him, but he never expected it would happen this way.
'Why didn't I try to leave the moment I heard where we were going?' he sobbed inwardly.
"Vincent," Don Angel said with calm seriousness, "Raise your head. Don't look weak."
Vincent raised his head, more surprised by the fact that Don Angel used his full name.
The pretty girl led them down a flight of stairs that went several floors underground. Finally, she pushed open a large door.
"What the fu—" Vincent was too shocked to finish.
"Welcome to the Triad Northside… or as they normally call it, the Underside," Don Angel said.
Vincent couldn't believe this whole place existed beneath a hotel. The first thing that hit was the cool air, scented with cigars and expensive perfume. Golden light spilled over black marble steps, leading down to a circular pit in the center. Leather seats curved around it in perfect tiers, the crowd murmuring over the clink of glasses.
At the bottom, the fighting cage waited—matte black steel, fine netting, and a deep red floor that seemed to drink in the light. Guards stood at the edges, watching everything.
One fighter sent the other crashing to the floor with a brutal punch, and the crowd erupted—cheers from some, disappointed murmurs from others.
"It's an underground fighting ring?" he mumbled.
"Not just any underground fighting ring," Don Angel corrected. "It's where the wealthy elite come to bet. This is where the Triad makes most of their money, rubbing shoulders with the rich and powerful… it's perfect." he said, almost sounding impressed and envious.
"Are we even still inside the hotel?" Vincent asked, still struggling to believe it.
"Yeah, it's right up there," Don Angel pointed. "Stay sharp, Vinnie. This is truly the lion's den."
Vincent could feel the eyes of security stationed at every corner, carefully observing them, until a man with violet hair tied into a long ponytail approached.
He had squinted eyes and was dressed more like a casino dealer.
"It's nice to see you honored our invitation, Don Angel. I'm Diego Kang. Nice to meet you," he said with a friendly smile and a small bow.
"You don't need any introduction, Diego. I've been dying to meet Marxon's loyal dog. You didn't have to come welcome me yourself."
Diego chuckled, ignoring the insult. "How could I not? When I heard the legendary Don Angel was here, I had to come greet him myself."
"Right this way," he said, gesturing for them to follow.
"Why? You don't feel comfortable killing me here? Isn't that why you invited me?"
"Maybe," Diego said softly, still smiling. "But since you came here yourself, my boss would like to have a few words with you…
"But make no mistake—you will not be leaving this place alive."
His words were like a bullet to Vincent's chest. Just keeping his composure was difficult, but Don Angel remained calm and unfazed, showing no sign of concern.
Vincent was reminded of that blond, handsome bastard he'd fought when rescuing Sarah—calm and confident right up until he passed out after one punch.
'Is that what this is? One big bluff before getting knocked out?'
He could only hope it wasn't. "Fuck,"