Dungeon Nexus: Rise of the Silent Walker

Jiho adjusted the collar of his black coat as he stepped into the dimly lit cyber café. The faint hum of computers and the click-clack of keyboards filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface. Haeun followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble.

"Are you sure about this guy?" Jiho asked, his voice low enough to not carry.

Haeun nodded, keeping her tone equally discreet. "Kim Doyun's the best information broker in the city. If anyone knows what Taejin's planning, it's him."

Jiho's expression remained skeptical, but he didn't argue. Trust was a currency he spent sparingly, and Haeun's recommendation was already stretching his limits.

Near the back of the café, a man in his late thirties sat hunched over a laptop, his fingers flying across the keyboard. His unkempt hair and dark-rimmed glasses gave him a disheveled appearance, but the sharpness in his eyes betrayed a mind that was anything but careless.

"Kim Doyun," Haeun called out as they approached.

Doyun didn't look up. "If you're here to ask for favors, get in line."

Haeun crossed her arms. "We're not asking for favors. We're offering an opportunity."

That caught his attention. Doyun's fingers stilled, and he glanced up, his gaze flickering between Haeun and Jiho. "Opportunity, huh? You don't strike me as the charitable type."

Jiho stepped forward, his presence commanding despite his silence. "We need information on the Silver Fang. Their movements, their targets, and especially their interest in the Nexus cores."

Doyun leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Straight to the point. I like that. But information isn't free. What's in it for me?"

Jiho's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

Doyun tapped his chin thoughtfully. "There's a little problem I've been dealing with. A rival group has been sniffing around my operations, trying to muscle in on my territory. If you can deal with them, I'll give you what you're looking for."

Jiho exchanged a glance with Haeun, who gave a small nod. It wasn't an unreasonable request, but it was clear Doyun was testing them.

"Fine," Jiho said. "Who are they, and where can we find them?"

A Test of Resolve

The rival group wasn't hard to locate. Operating out of an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city, they were a small-time gang that had recently expanded their activities. Jiho and Haeun arrived just as night fell, the factory's broken windows casting eerie shadows on the ground.

"Keep your guard up," Jiho said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Haeun nodded, her hand hovering near her weapon. "Let's make this quick."

The duo slipped inside, moving like shadows through the derelict building. It didn't take long to find the gang's leader—a burly man with a scar running down the side of his face. He was flanked by half a dozen lackeys, their confidence radiating from the way they lounged carelessly.

Jiho didn't waste time with introductions. The moment they were within range, he launched into action. Shadows erupted around him, coiling like serpents as they struck with precision. The lackeys barely had time to react before they were disarmed and incapacitated.

The leader, however, proved more resilient. He drew a massive blade, its edge gleaming menacingly in the dim light.

"You've got guts showing up here," the man growled, his stance firm. "But you're out of your league."

Jiho smirked, his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. "We'll see about that."

The fight was swift but brutal. The leader's strength was formidable, but Jiho's agility and mastery of the shadows gave him the upper hand. Within moments, the man was on his knees, his blade clattering to the floor.

"Tell your people to back off," Jiho said coldly, his dagger pressed against the man's throat. "This is your only warning."

The leader nodded hastily, his bravado crumbling under Jiho's piercing gaze.

The Deal is Sealed

Back at the cyber café, Doyun greeted them with a knowing smile. "I take it the problem has been dealt with?"

Jiho tossed a small trinket onto the table—a badge the gang leader had worn as a symbol of his authority.

"Consider it handled," Jiho said.

Doyun picked up the badge, examining it briefly before setting it aside. "Efficient. I like that. Alright, here's what I know."

He leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "The Silver Fang isn't just after the Nexus cores—they're trying to manipulate the entire system. They've been targeting specific dungeons, ones with unique properties that could give them an edge. And Taejin...he's not just following orders. He's got his own agenda."

Jiho's expression darkened. "What kind of agenda?"

"That's where it gets murky," Doyun admitted. "But whatever he's planning, it involves more than just power. It's something deeper, something personal."

Haeun frowned. "Do you have any leads?"

Doyun nodded. "There's a dungeon near the old harbor. It's been dormant for years, but recently, there's been unusual activity. If Taejin's involved, that's where you'll find him."

Jiho absorbed the information, his mind already working on the next move. "Thanks," he said curtly.

Doyun smirked. "Don't mention it. Just remember—you owe me one."