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Chapter 34 :The King of Shadows
The underground world was a labyrinth of power and fear, and at its center stood one man—Kai.
Leo followed Kai through the dimly lit corridors of the underground, his nerves on edge. The people they passed moved aside without a word, their heads bowed, their gazes averted. It was as if Kai's presence alone commanded a respect that bordered on fear.
Leo couldn't understand it. How could someone so composed and seemingly detached hold such sway over these dangerous individuals?
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The Aura of Authority
As they entered a large, dimly lit chamber, a group of men from a local gang turned to face them. Their leader, a burly man with scars crisscrossing his face, stepped forward. For a moment, his gaze flickered to Leo, his expression darkening.
"You shouldn't bring outsiders here," the man growled, his tone laced with hostility.
Before Leo could react, Kai's gaze locked onto the man. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, but there was an unmistakable edge to it—a silent threat that sent a shiver through the air.
The gang leader's bravado crumbled in an instant. He stumbled back, muttering apologies, his head bowed low.
Leo blinked in disbelief. The man, who moments ago had exuded confidence, now looked like a child caught in a storm.
Kai didn't say a word. He simply turned and continued walking, leaving the gang leader and his men in stunned silence.
Leo quickened his pace, falling into step behind Kai. "What just happened?" he whispered.
"They know who I am," Kai replied simply, his voice devoid of emotion.
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A Lesson in Power
As they moved deeper into the underground, Leo couldn't help but notice how people reacted to Kai. Some shrank away, their fear palpable. Others stood at attention, their expressions a mixture of respect and reverence.
At one point, a young man—clearly new to the underground—muttered something under his breath as they passed. Kai stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What did you say?" Kai's voice was soft, but it carried a weight that made the air feel heavier.
The young man froze, his face draining of color. "N-nothing, sir. I didn't mean anything by it."
Kai didn't respond. He simply looked at the man, his gaze piercing. The young man's knees buckled, and he sank to the ground, trembling.
Leo, who had been watching the exchange, felt his own nerves tighten. He had never seen Kai like this. It was as if he had transformed into someone else entirely—a king commanding his realm.
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A Moment of Fear
They eventually arrived at a meeting room, where a group of influential underground figures awaited them. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with unspoken tension.
One of the men, clearly feeling emboldened, sneered at Leo. "What's a pretty boy like him doing here? This isn't a place for tourists."
Leo bristled, but before he could respond, Kai stepped forward.
"Careful," Kai said, his tone icy. "The next words out of your mouth might be your last."
The man's face turned ashen, and he quickly looked away, mumbling an apology.
Leo found himself unconsciously stepping closer to Kai, as if seeking refuge behind the man's unshakable presence.
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The King's Dominion
As the meeting concluded, Leo couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The underground world was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined. Yet, amidst the chaos, Kai stood as an unshakable pillar—a man whose mere presence could bring even the most hardened criminals to their knees.
When they finally left the underground, Leo turned to Kai, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"How do you do it?" Leo asked. "How do you make them fear you like that?"
Kai glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Fear isn't something you demand. It's something you earn."
Leo frowned, but before he could press further, Kai added, "And don't worry. As long as I'm around, no one will touch you."
For a moment, Leo allowed himself to feel a sense of sa
fety, even if he didn't fully understand the man who had become his protector.