The End of Gods (A Welcome to the Underworld Novel, Book 4) by Con Template Read Free Book Online Page B

quiet as the music from the piano died down. Soon after, the lights dimmed slightly while a subtle spotlight hung over the King of Skulls.
    Ji Hoon began to speak, confidence and pride teeming in his voice. “When asked about the three men I admire most, my answer has always been consistent. It has always been my father, my Advisor, and the eldest Advisor, Seo Ju Won. I have never wavered from those three names, and I’m sure the third name is a name that no one in this room has wavered from either.”
    Ji Hoon smiled, looking down at Ju Won and Jung Min, both of whom were beaming up at him.
    “Uncle,” Ji Hoon began respectfully to Ju Won, extending his champagne glass in the air, “never in my life have I met a man who has as much experience, virtue, and knowledge as you. You have left such a big footprint in our world, and I doubt any other Advisor coming after you would ever be able to fill your shoes. I am grateful to be one of your advisees and even more grateful that you are considering me as an heir. In forty years, if I could be half the man you are today, then I’d consider that my biggest honor. Happy 65 th birthday. Here’s to a wonderful year.”
    An explosion of applause erupted from all around the room after the conclusion of Ji Hoon’s speech. Ju Won and Jung Min raised their glasses and nodded approvingly at Ji Hoon. Beside them, Dong Min lackadaisically lifted his glass, his expression clearly unimpressed with Ji Hoon’s toast. A few lingering cheers from Skulls gang members continued to echo from below until Tae Hyun grabbed a champagne glass off a waiter’s platter and took two steps forward. He stood in front of the gold railing of the balcony and looked below.
    As if sensing his presence, the room fell silent in some sort of quiet awe. All eyes gradually landed on him. The silent change in reverence from Ji Hoon to Tae Hyun was very subtle, but very noticeable. Tae Hyun not only held everyone’s unyielding attention with his mere presence, but the natural magnetism that resonated from him also demanded their immense interest.
    “Our world is a society unlike any other,” Tae Hyun began diplomatically, poise and power exuding effortlessly from him. “Standing in this room right now is the most eclectic and powerful group of individuals this country has and will ever know.”
    His deep brown eyes roamed around the room as a ghost of a smile tilted on his lips.
    “I am honored to be born into the Serpents’ bloodline, but so much more honored to be taken under the wings of great business, political, media, and economic leaders who have mentored and trained me to be the man that I have become.” His eyes found Dong Min’s, who was staring up at Tae Hyun like a proud father would at his son. “I am especially honored by Shin Dong Min, who has not only taken me under his wings since my inception into the 1 st layer, but has also become like a second father to me all these years.” He gave his Advisor a genuine and appreciative nod. “I know that I’m not the easiest advisee to deal with, but please know that I will never forget your undying support, all those times when you stuck by me when I couldn’t see past the fog. I will forever be grateful for it. It’s been such a great honor.”
    Dong Min inclined his head, lifting his champagne glass higher. Warmness filled his eyes as he silently said, “It was my honor as well.”
    With a deep inhalation, Tae Hyun averted his focus to the one who had the power to change his future. Albeit the kindliness in Tae Hyun’s eyes dissipated slightly, he made sure the warmth was still solidified on his handsome face while he spoke to the one who was the reason for this event.
    “With all these thanks, I think I speak for each and every one of us here when I express my gratitude to the eldest Advisor. He has helped uphold the bylaws of our society and kept our world as pure as the day it began. Over the past few decades, he has been a staple in our