The transition from the burning estate to the armored transports was a blur of flashing sirens and silent, tense coordination. The heavily reinforced vehicles cut through the midnight downpour, navigating the winding roads of Seoul before descending into the private underground parking complex of the Kim Group’s premier high-rise.

The penthouse took up the entire top two floors, a vast expanse of polished concrete, minimalist glass, and panoramic views of the city grid below. Seven years ago, a gathering like this would have been a routine celebration of the alliance's corporate dominance. Tonight, it felt like a tactical encampment.