The Path Of A True King.
Chapter 60: Welcome.

Chapter 60: Welcome.

Chapter 99

The world seemed to be moving fast as Elijah slept, while Leo drove through the streets, passing by a town or two before reaching the city. Blackridge had just reached Tier 3.

That was where the problem arose. The Alpha-ranked gangs—only two of them—the Crimson Blood Gang and the White Tiger Gang had become restless.

Both were trying their hardest to gain power in the city, each planning to take over completely by eliminating the other. One of them would become a Tier 3 gang.

But Elijah was already planning to take over the city, even though his own gang was still ranked Omega.

Still, after reaching the level he was at, there was no one in the entire city who could match his full power—except for Jack, if he went all out. Even so, Elijah knew one thing for certain:

He would win regardless.

Leo, who was driving, suddenly stopped the car, his eyes fixed on something ahead. He gently touched Elijah’s shoulder.

Elijah lazily opened his eyes, still half-asleep—until he looked ahead, and a smile formed on his face, erasing all traces of tiredness.

A young man with brown hair and blue eyes stood in the middle of the street, beside a black SUV parked off-road.

Elijah chuckled. "So, you’ll be going."

Leo, who was smoking, nodded and replied, "Yeah. Your uncle’s having some problems, so I’m going to help."

Elijah sighed. "Just tell him thank you. And to you, too—thanks for everything."

Leo smiled. "Don’t make us wait long."

Elijah nodded and stepped out of the car, holding a bag. Then, he opened his arms and hugged the man in front of him—Kai.

It had been a while, but the bond between the two hadn’t weakened. In fact, it had only grown stronger over time.

"Missed you, Kai."

"That’s weird to say when we’re hugging like this," Kai replied, and the two laughed before letting each other go.

Kai smiled and said, "Welcome back, Leader. And more importantly—welcome back, my friend. It’s been some time."

"Yeah, I know. How has everyone been?" Elijah asked, walking toward the car.

"Everyone’s doing good. I haven’t told them you’ve returned—so we can surprise them," Kai answered.

"Seriously? What about Jack?" Elijah chuckled.

"Jack would’ve run straight at you before you even entered the city. He doesn’t show it, but he missed you a lot—especially the fights. He’s probably at your house right now, as always, playing the protector."

"Let’s go then. I’m curious how much things have changed," Elijah said, tossing his bag into the back seat and entering the car.

"Nope. No gang business until you’ve rested—and maybe not even until after our welcome back party. You should spend time with your mother and sister first," Kai said quickly.

"So that’s why you didn’t tell anyone," Elijah said with a smirk.

"You would’ve gotten a grand welcome from the gang, which would’ve drawn a lot of attention in the South District. That would’ve exposed your return to our enemies—something I want to avoid right now, considering how troublesome things have gotten," Kai explained.

"Hmmm... Seems like I left you with a huge burden, Kai. I’m really sorry for that."

Kai shrugged and smiled. "It doesn’t matter. I’m your right-hand man—it was expected. Besides, we wanted you to be at your strongest before we made any major moves. To achieve our goal."

"To reach the top," Kai added after a brief silence.

"To protect what’s ours," Elijah said, then joked, "But you know, I left you single—and now I come back, and you’re still single. Why are you handsome if you’re not using it?"

Kai chuckled and teased back, "Says the guy who was too scared to talk to a girl three years ago."

"True, but I’ve got two beautiful girls waiting for me now—unlike you, still single," Elijah said, laughing.

"Screw you. Have you forgotten who taught you the game?" Kai replied, then added, "Being single right now is a choice."

Elijah chuckled. "Yeah, it’s a ’choice.’ Just say you’re gay, bro."

"F*ck you."

"Hey, I’m taken. And I’m straight." Elijah grinned.

Kai shook his head. "Oh yeah? Says the guy who admires my body and face every time he looks at me. If you wanted a kiss, you should’ve just asked."

Elijah burst out laughing. "That’s true. You were getting all the girls back then—I was a little envious and jealous. But it’s hard to make you jealous."

Kai smirked. "That’s because, like I said—I’m that great. I choose to be single, with many baby moms."

Elijah laughed. "Real bad man."

They both shared a laugh before Elijah shifted the conversation.

"But you’re lacking in skills lately. I don’t feel even a hint of danger from you."

Kai rolled his eyes. "How can I be dangerous to you?"

"You shouldn’t use that as an excuse not to train. You were the third strongest, but it doesn’t seem like you’ve changed much—other than reaching Advanced Knight Stage. Your skills are still the same. When we get back, focus on resting and training. Let me, Aurora, and Mai handle everything else," Elijah said.

Kai didn’t respond. They drove on, eventually reaching their territory and pulling up to Elijah’s house, which hadn’t changed since he left.

The gate opened automatically when the system recognized the car.

As they approached the house, Kai turned off the engine and looked at Elijah.

"When you left, you told me to put all your money into improving the gang and supporting your family. I did that. But there’s $50,000 left on this card. Use it however you want. I just wish I had more to give you than this little."

Elijah chuckled. "Bro, that’s a lot. And thanks again. Let me rest for a few hours—even though I probably won’t be able to. Call everyone and tell them to come over. Let’s have a dinner party."

Kai smiled. "Okay. Also—here."

He handed Elijah a brand new phone. "It already has all the leaders’ contacts, your family’s numbers, and Kim’s number."

Elijah nodded. "That’ll be useful. Then let’s head inside."

Kai smiled, and they got out of the car, heading toward the house.

Tony, who had opened the gate and was on duty, looked at the two and squinted.

"Why does that person look like Elijah?" Tony wondered aloud—until he looked closer. His eyes widened in shock.

"Wait... it can’t be... That is Elijah!"